Stockport & District NCT branch newsletter

1. Stockport & District NCT
Spring 2013 Newsletter
Pdf Edition
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1

2. Spring 2013
TIME OUT:
Environment & Nature
In this issue:  Going Green - Hints & Tips Grow Your Own 
Herbs for Breastfeeding Birthaid! The First Few Sacred Days
Acupuncture During Pregnancy Cloth Nappies Osteopathy
 Eco-friendly Toys Birth stories, arts & crafts, regular features...
and much more!
Stockport and District
Please don‟t throw me away, pass me on to a friend today
Copyright © NCT 2013 • Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace London W3 6NH • Registered charity no. 801395

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4. Contents
Spring 2013 - Environment & Nature
Regular & Local Features Topical Features
Welcome - Editor‟s Note 4 Going Green 14
Welcome - Chair‟s Note 5 Real Nappies 16
Out & About: Farms 6 Grow Your Own 20
Stockport & District News 10 The Green Toybox 24
Births & Members 12 Herbs for Nursing Mothers 36
Birth Story: Ellie Thouret 50 Acupuncture for Birth 40
Get Crafty!: Easter Nests 54 Osteopathy 42
In the News 56 Birthaid! 45
Meet the Team 57
The Cutest Thing! 58
District Yellow Pages
NCT National Contacts 27
Local Support 27
What We Do 28
Local Meet-ups 29
NCT Spring Social 30
Nearly New Sale 31
Info for Advertisers 33
Branch Contacts 34
Find us on Facebook!
Just search for “Stockport & District NCT”
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5. Message from the Editor
Spring is finally in the air, and with new life
beginning in the field and forest it’s a time
when many of us feel especially close to
nature.
The theme of this newsletter is Nature and the
Environment, and we are delighted to be able to
bring you a great selection of topical articles
including guides on growing your own fruit and
vegetables (p20) and natural healthcare in the
days following birth (p45).
We also take a look at the complementary therapies of osteopathy (p42)
and acupuncture (p40), consider the use of herbs during breastfeeding
(p36), get some ideas for eco-friendly play (p24) and step into the world
of cloth nappies (p16).
On a personal note, at one point I thought this newsletter was never going
to get written! My husband, daughter and myself were all struck down
with a horrendous eye infection (hence the dark glasses in the pic - it’s
not quite that sunny yet!) and Amelia spent several nights in hospital. I’d
like to say a huge thank-you, first to the staff at Stepping Hill Hospital
for taking such great care of my little girl, and secondly to all the
volunteers at Stockport & District NCT who have helped to pull this
newsletter together and make sure it still gets to you on time!
Julia Doherty
Newsletter Editor
If you have an article, birth story, feature or opinion to contribute, we would
love to hear from you. Our next issue‟s theme is Health
but even if your article or idea does not fit the theme please send it in as
we may be able to use it in future publications.
Copy deadline for the Summer issue is 1st May 2013.
Contact our Editor: stockportnctnewsletter@gmail.com
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6. Message from the Chair
Welcome to our Spring Edition of the newsletter. After the weekly cold
snaps of January and February hopefully by the time you read this there
will be signs of Spring on the way! On the theme of this newsletter - our
environment can be so uplifting at this time of year – there is nothing nicer
than a field of daffodils or a street filled with pink blossom trees.
Hopefully we can start getting out and about again and enjoy the parks and
local outdoor attractions!
The branch continues to grow in terms of volunteers and members. I would
like to welcome Meg, Clodagh and Julia to the Committee. Thank you to all
committee members for your continued hard work as volunteers for the
branch. We are still in need of volunteers to oversee our twice-yearly
Nearly New Sales and to help run our weekly baby group on Thursdays at
Heaton Moor. If you are able to help with these or have an interest in
volunteering please get in touch with us.
Our next Nearly New Sale is on Saturday 20 April at Cheadle Hulme
Methodist Church from 10.30-12.00. We are looking for sellers for this
sale. If you would like to earn some money from your good quality baby/
maternity clothes/equipment/toys/books/DVDs please get in touch. You
will also be helping to raise money for the NCT nationally to fund helplines
and services to all UK parents. Please see poster inside for more details.
Our baby and toddler groups continue to run. We have something happening
each day of the week across Stockport. Please don’t be afraid to come
down, and also do bring your friends. Non-members are welcome at all our
events. We are planning a New Members/Branch Social evening in April.
Please look out for details of this on our web page/Facebook groups and
update email. Would be great for us to have some ‘me’ time to socialise with
other adults!
If you have any suggestions or feedback for the branch please do get in
touch. Hope you have a great Easter break, and for those of you waiting
for school choices (like me) good luck!
Annabel Irvine
Branch Chair
Contact our Chair: stockportnctchair@gmail.com
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7. Out & About
Out & About
Focus on: Animal Parks & Farms
Spring is a great time to get out and about in nature, so why not visit
your local farm or petting zoo? At this time of year there is so much
to see and do, from lambing at Tatton Park, to Easter Egg hunts at
Smithills Farm, as well as petting baby chicks and bunnies and
feeding baby goats and lambs. The kids will love it!
Please check websites listed for opening times, prices,
accessibility and general information.
Smithills Open Farm, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NS
www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk
Set within 70 acres of rolling countryside a few miles north of Bolton, Smithills
is a family run farm housing many kinds of animal including cows, pigs, goats,
sheep, pythons, llamas, owls, eagles, donkeys, stick insects, peacock and
deer. Animal feed can be bought for 50p and during summer children can also
help bottle feed the lambs. The farm includes a petting area where children
can hold the baby animals and also has an adventure playground with an
inflatable assault course. Tractor rides and pony rides are available daily for
£1 a go. From 2nd - 9th April Easter egg hunts will run twice a day at Smithills
Farm, starting at 12pm and 2.30pm.
Home Farm, Tatton Park, Knutsford
WA16 6QN
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Home Farm lies within the grounds of
historic Tatton Park. In this working farm
children can feed the goats and hens, meet
the pigs, cows, horses and donkeys, and
take a peek inside a 1930‟s
cottage. Piglets are born several times a
year, so there will usually be some to see.
In addition, lambing will take place from 2
April to 12 April so if you visit during this
time you may even be lucky enough to see
the new lambs being born!
Meeting Home Farm’s new arrivals
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8. Out & About
Out & About
Stockley Farm, Arley,
Northwich CW9 6LZ
www.stockleyfarm.co.uk
Your visit to Stockley Farm
starts with a free tractor ride
from the car park. On arrival at
the farm visitors can make their
way to see a variety of animals
including cows and calves, pigs,
goats and lambs. The farm‟s
petting area holds rabbits,
guinea pigs, chicks and
ducklings, and children are also Bottle feeding at Stockley Farm
able to help bottle feed the baby
lambs and goats.
In summer, sheep races are held plus at weekends there are bird of prey
displays. At 3.30pm every day you can watch the cows being milked via a
special viewing gallery. The farm has indoor and outdoor play areas with sand
pits, bouncy castle, sit on rides and a climbing area made up of hay bales.
Reddish Vale Farm, Reddish Vale Road, Reddish SK5 7HE
reddishvalefarm.co.uk
This is a small local farm, set out perfectly for young children.
The farmyard animals include horses, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, donkeys
and goats, and there is also a petting area where children can hold small
animals like guinea pigs and rabbits. Children can feed many of the animals
with carrots bought from the farm (50p a bucket). There is also a bouncy
castle and a selection of free ride-on tractors and trailers.
On Sundays from 1-3pm pony rides are available for £2.
Heaton Park Farm, Manchester M25 2SW
www.heatonpark.org.uk
Heaton Park is a huge park owned and managed by Manchester City Council.
The park houses an animal centre where children can meet a variety of
animals including cows, alpacas and goats. The centre includes a pets‟ corner
where children can hold the smaller animals, and there is a small hatchery
which allows people to watch birds laying and looking after their eggs if any
are being laid at the time of a visit.
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9. Out & About
Agricultural and Rural Centre, 5 Quarry Road, Romiley SK6 4BA
www.arc-cic.co.uk
The ARC is a not-for-profit community initiative, set up to help and support
children and adults with disabilities, but which also runs groups that are open
to all children within the Greater Manchester area. A parent and toddler group
meets Thursdays and Fridays 11.00-12.30 and Saturdays 1.00-2.30. Here
children have access to the farm and to the centre‟s minibeast manor. Space
is limited to 10 places, so booking in advance is essential. The ARC also
offers an ideal setting for children‟s parties, where children can meet and feed
the animals and take part in additional activities including Alpaca Trekking,
Pony or Piglet Pampering and Goat Grooming.
The Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire SK23 0QS
www.chestnutcentre.co.uk
The Chestnut Centre is an owl and otter conservation park on the edge of the
Peak District. Among the species housed here are rare giant otters, which you
can view through a ground level glass wall or an aerial viewing platform (my 10
month old loved it when the otters played and made noises, and even tried to
imitate them!) The otters' habitat is based around a natural mountain stream,
which feeds a descending series of enclosures around the park. The centre
also houses many other species including polecats, foxes wildcats and deer.
It is set up well for families with young children, although we found it easier to
carry my daughter than to take the buggy over rocky ground.
Our visit to the Chestnut Centre
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11. NCT Stockport & District News
NCT Stockport participate in the
Rotary Club Santa Float
On a freezing but dry night on 12
December a group of volunteers led
by Antenatal Teacher Jane
Broadbent joined the Rotary Club
Santa Float. Jane‟s Father was a
very charming Santa, sitting on the
newly refurbished float. We visited
several hundred households in
central Bramhall. It was great to see
excited children come out to meet
Santa and get a sweet!
Thank you to the Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club for continuing to include
us in this very worthwhile and well organised annual event, and to the
residents who we visited for their donations
My Year of Firsts Fundraising Party
a Great Success!
We ran a fun Saturday morning
fundraising party called “My Year of
Firsts” for 30 families from the
branch. The idea behind the party
was to celebrate all the various
“firsts” that happen over the early
years of a baby‟s life.
We had brilliant entertainment from
Tina at Baby Sensory East
Cheshire. All the children and
parents had a fantastic time playing
with her various props, bubbles, giant air-filled balls and of course singing and
signing to the song “Say hello to the sun!” A light lunch was provided for the
children and plenty of cakes and hot drinks for the adults. We raised over
£100 for the charity. Thank you to Angela for all her hard work with this event.
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12. NCT Stockport & District News
Stockport Maternity Services Liaison Committee
- Report by Lou Baxter
In January I attended the Stockport Maternity Services Liaison Committee
meeting at Stepping Hill hospital. The committee is set up to help improve
local maternity services and a meeting takes place every 2 months. Service
users are an important part of the committee and we are looking for new
members who have used local maternity services in the last 5 years, this
includes partners and mums to be. You can attend meetings and be a core
member or be part of a wider group of associate members on an email list
contacted for comments when needed. If you are interested please
email stockportmslc@gmail.com with your details expressing how you feel you
could participate. Meetings take place every two months and last about 90
minutes so it's not a huge time commitment.
Venue: Ground floor Education room, Women’s Unit, Stepping Hill Hospital
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Future Dates: Wednesday, 8th May
Tuesday, 2nd July
Wednesday, 11th September
Wednesday, 11th November
Branch Vacancies
We urgently need more volunteers to help us to run your branch.
Registered volunteers receive a discount on their membership fee!
In particular we are looking for:
Nearly New Sale Co-ordinator - to run our twice-yearly sales.
This role would suit somebody who can spare time twice a year in the run-
up to the sales (working mainly in the evenings managing emails from
sellers in the month before a sale). There is an experienced team of
helpers in place to support this role. The role can be shared.
Host for Heaton Moor Bumps & Babies Group (Thursdays).
Host for Heald Green/Gatley Bumps & Babies Group.
If you can help with any of these roles please get in touch with Annabel
on stockportnctchair@gmail.com
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13. New Members
 Rachel and Padraic - Heaton Mersey  Claire and Graeme - Heaton Moor
 Adele and Barry - Heaton Moor  Alyson and Miles - Marple Bridge
 Louise and Michael - Cheadle Hulme  Callie and Andrew - Edgeley
 Helen and Dave - Strines  Karen and Doug - Marple
 Leanne and Adam - Heaton Chapel  Natalie and Tom - Cheadle Hulme
 Rachel and Richard - Bramhall  Angharad and George - Stockport
 Nicola and Simon - Offerton  Jane and Stewart - Strines
 Christina and Brian - Gatley  Helen and Simon - Cheadle Hulme
 Vanessa and Simon - Bramhall  Joanne and David - Heaton Mersey
New Arrivals
If you have a Birth or First Birthday
announcement you‟d like us to print
please send the details to
stockportnctnewsletter@gmail.com
Photo announcements are welcome.
Parisa and Donal Katie and Ben
gave birth to: gave birth to:
Saoirse Doherty Ewan
on 19th October 2012 on 30th October 2012
weighing 7lbs 5ozs weighing 7lbs 5ozs
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14. 14

15. Going Green
We asked for tips on running an eco-friendly household.
Here were some of your suggestions...
Save all your old boxes Soapnuts are an
If you want to clear the air
and jars and use them amazing natural
of odours, just pour out a
for craft activities. You small bowlful of product. They are the
can make anything from bicarbonate of soda andfruit of the Chinese
musical shakers to leave it in the room to
cereal box robots and soapberry tree and
soak up unwanted smells.
egg box crocodiles! This release a natural form
- Kath
kind of junk modelling of soap when they
really encourages Read books about the come into contact with
creativity in children too, environment with water. Great for the
in a way that many your children. The laundry, or even as an
commercial toys and “Over in…” series by
craft sets do not. all-natural shampoo.
Marianne Berkes are
- Marie lovely rhyming picture - Claire
books that even very
If you struggle to clean I know it’s not easy or
young children can
possible for everyone,
the insides of small- enjoy. - Amber
but breastfeeding is the
necked bottles, just fill most eco-friendly way to
them part way with We have a compost
feed your child. Quite
gravel then add a mix bin, and the kids aside from the many
of vinegar and love to help fill it health benefits for
bicarbonate of soda. with scraps of old mother and baby, breast
Shake the bottle so food and garden -feeding is best for the
waste. Don’t add environment, requiring
that the gravel reaches
potato peelings to no packaging and
all the dirt and grime, creating no carbon
then empty out and the compost, though,
footprint either.
as they will sprout
rinse with water. - Amy - Yvonne
and ruin the soil.
Ketchup can be used - Deborah NCT Nearly New Sales are
to clean brass. Just a great way to recycle
rub some on with a Olive oil can be used your old toys and baby
clean cloth, then buff to polish shoes, and as clothes, and grab some
a furniture polish on un bargains yourself too!
it off for a sparkling
-varnished wood. - Tess -Julia
finish.- Jane
15

16. Going Green
Mix bicarbonate of Tea tree oil is
soda with water for Try to buy toys that are naturally antiseptic
a great multi- made from sustainable and antibacterial and
wood rather than
surface cleaner. is great for killing
plastics. But be wary of
You can also add a toxic paints that may be
mould. Put a
few drops of on older wooden toys or teaspoonful in a spray
essential oil to cheap imports. - Renee bottle full of water
fragrance it or to and spray onto any
make use of the oil’s When M was teething affected surfaces after
properties. - Jane we got some amber cleaning to prevent
teething beads and mould from returning.
We cloth diaper and only found them really - Susan
buy organic cotton baby
effective. Amber We’ve just bought a
clothes. Non-organic
releases a natural and wormery and the children
cotton production uses
more harmful chemicals safe analgesic (pain (age 5 and 8) are
than any other crop, and relief) which is fascinated by it.- Lorna
the chemical residues absorbed through the Grow your own fruit and
can irritate baby’s skin. You can get veg! It’s fun, rewarding,
sensitive skin. - Alicia necklaces, bracelets or and most of all it’s eco-
anklets. - Casey friendly. Pick fast and easy
Forget about plastic growing plants for younger
teething rings - a stick children (radishes, runner
Walk to school with
of raw carrot or beans, or pots of cress
your children,
cucumber straight make good starters). That
rather than taking
from the fridge makes way they won’t get bored
the car. It’s better or discouraged waiting for
the best natural
for their health too! their crop to grow. - Jo
teething aid - Rebecca
- Emma
Old plastic milk bottles
Use a steam cleaner to
Make the natural have many uses - cut
remove stubborn dirt
world a part of your the tops off and use as
without the use of everyday life. Go for
chemicals. Also, check out paint pots or
walks in the country-
www.allergyuk.org for side with your paintbrush holders, or
information on chemical children, and talk google “milk bottle
sensitivity and handy tips about what you find trowel“ for a
on chemical free cleaning there. - Julia particularly good one!
- Claire
- Linda
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17. Real Nappies
Sarah Rands, Manchester
For many of us nowadays, starting out with cloth nappies can seem
like a daunting option. Here Sarah Rands, of Manchester Real
Nappies, offers a guide to the different types of cloth nappy on
the market to help you decide what is right for you and your baby...
I was delighted to receive an email From then on, we never looked
asking me to contribute an article to back. Adam has been cloth-
the Spring Edition of the magazine; bummed from birth, there was never
there is nothing I enjoy more than any doubt that it would be any other
spreading some fluffy love! way.
I set up as a
About nappy advisor in
me… 2010, to offer
other mums the
I am a full-time service I so
mum to Noah desperately
(born 25/12/08) wished I'd found
and Adam (born earlier. I don't
20/08/12); and see what I do as
there is nothing I a job, but as a
like better than vocation - I want
spending time to help other
with them and helping them explore families have a great experience
the world. I looked at 'going cloth' with cloth. I'm not here to persuade
when I was pregnant with Noah, but you to use washable nappies. Once
was not prepared to spend a large you have decided that real nappies
amount of money on something that are for you, I'm here to help you
might not work; especially when I make the best choice for you. I am
couldn't see or feel what I was offering simple, honest advice and
buying. So I used disposables. recommendations; and I believe
Unfortunately for him, Noah has there is a cloth solution for every
sensitive skin and reacted to every household.
brand of disposable nappy we tried.
So we had to try cloth nappies. I It‟s not just about getting you in
made lots of mistakes along the way, cloth; its about getting you in the
until, when Noah was 8 months old, I cloth that‟s right for you. I hope the
found a nappy advisor; and she gave following guide will help you along
me some much needed advice. the way...
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18. Real Nappies
About the nappies… All In One Nappies (AIO)
All-in-one nappies are put on in
exactly the same way as a
 Nappies are now made from disposable. They require no extra
the softest, modern fabrics; components, no covers or inserts –
have shaped designs in nothing! But unlike a disposable,
vibrant colours and some when you take it off, you wash and
even fasten like disposables! re-use rather than throwing it away!
AIO nappies are the easiest to use
 Reusable nappies are not of all washable nappies, but may
only better for the take longer to dry.
environment, they are super
soft and fluffy; better for
babies’ bottoms; and save Pocket Nappies
you money too! Pocket nappies are designed to be
easy to use, quick to dry and
 During infancy your baby will downright cute! Pockets are defined
spend approximately 25,000 by an opening at the back allowing
hours in nappies, and need you to „stuff‟ the nappy with
about 6,000 nappy changes – absorbent inserts. This allows you
to control the level of absorbency
so your decision to use
either real nappies or depending on your babies‟ needs.
disposables will have a big Pockets are often favoured by
impact on your baby’s health nurseries, as once assembled they
and well-being, your wallet go on just like an AIO or disposable.
and your planet. As all the parts separate easily, they
are super-quick to dry.
 Disposable nappies take up
approximately half a wheelie Two Part Nappies
bin per week… Are you on a Two-part nappies have a waterproof
fortnightly collection? wrap, and a prefold, flat or fitted
nappy inside for absorbency.
 Cloth nappies and all added Prefolds and flat nappies are one of
extras (including laundering) the cheapest ways to use cloth
will cost less than half what nappies, but they can be a little fiddly
you could spend on to use especially if you have a
disposables wriggly baby! Fitted or shaped
nappies work in exactly the same
 Most cloth nappies will see way as prefolds and flat nappies, but
you through multiple there is no folding required as they
children are already shaped perfectly for little
bottoms! With this system you may
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19. Real Nappies
not have to change the wrap at Birth-to-Potty vs Sized
every nappy change. Some cloth nappies are sized in the
same way as disposables, so you
Fastenings will need to buy new
The most common fastenings for nappies as your
washable nappies are aplix (also baby grows.
called Velcro, hook-and-loop); snaps However unlike
(poppers); nappy pins and nappi disposables there
nippas (the new improved nappy are usually only 2 or
pins, so no need to prod your baby!) 3 sizes. Birth-to-potty
nappies fit from
Accessories around 7 to 35lbs,
Apart from the obvious (your and are very
nappies!) you will also need a nappy adjustable; so they
bucket or storage bag and a wet bag should fit from when
for your changing bag. You may you are ready to
also want nappy liners to go in your start using cloth until
nappies. It is also always worth your little one is
considering washable wipes. ready to potty train!
Breastfeeding Friendly Stockport!
Breastfeeding while out and about can be daunting at first.
Knowledge of 'breastfeeding friendly' venues can boost
confidence when heading out.
To coincide with World Breastfeeding Week we plan to publish a feature
on local breastfeeding friendly venues in our next newsletter.
Do you know of a café, restaurant, leisure centre or other venue in
Stockport (or even the Greater Manchester area) where you or someone
you know felt comfortable breastfeeding? If so, please drop us a line at
stockportnctnewsletter@gmail.com, giving the venue name and location,
what you found good about it, and any other details you think may be helpful
to other parents.
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21. Grow Your Own!
John Halsall, Tarporley
Growing your own food can be a very rewarding experience for
adults and children alike. Here NCT husband John Halsall
shares some handy tips on what to plant to get the best out of
the experience no matter what your size of garden or level of
gardening knowledge…
It started with a radish ……………
It was grown in a strip of soil behind the shed.
I was aged 7 and since then, to a greater or
lesser extent, I‟ve always grown my own.
This is a simple appeal to encourage you and
your kids to have a go at growing some of your
own food this year.
WHY …………
Stuff you grow yourself tastes better than things you buy in the shops. It‟s a
cliché, but it‟s true.
Kids love to play with soil and it‟s a great way to get them interested in food.
If they are not that keen on eating their fruit and veg this may help.
You can be “organic”. You probably won‟t get a certificate from the Soil
Association but you can be sure about what is going onto the food you and
your family eat.
It‟s great to be outside in the fresh air and, if you choose to, digging is a
great form of exercise.
If you are worried about “food miles” it‟s only a few “food metres” from the
garden to your kitchen.
LET’S START SMALL ……….
If you‟ve only got a tiny garden or just want to have a bit of fun with the kids,
why not try growing some things in tubs and containers. They won‟t feed a
family of four but they will give you a taste of home grown veg and could make
a few nice salads to enjoy with the BBQ.
21

22. Grow Your Own!
Why not try ………..
Salad Leaves – Garden centres sell loads of mixed salad leaves seeds
(sometimes referred to “as cut and come again” varieties). These contain a
mixture of different lettuce types and you can pull a few leaves off each to
make an interesting salad base. Sow them thinly in a plastic trough and, if the
weather is good, you could be eating them in a few weeks.
Tomatoes – Probably the easiest way is to buy a couple of tomato plants from
a garden centre in the spring and simply plant them into a 12” (or bigger) pot
filled with compost. Choose an outdoor bush variety such as “Gardener‟s
Delight” and they will need no maintenance, other than regular watering. Make
sure they‟re in a sunny position and you can‟t go wrong. Nothing tastes better
than a sun warmed tomato picked straight from the plant – kids love them.
Herbs – These are great and take no effort. A large pot, planted with a few
herb plants from the garden centre will help to liven up your spag boll. I‟d go
for rosemary, dill, parsley, chives and thyme. Herbs don‟t mind a bit of drought
so don‟t worry about watering them too often. Keep them in a sunny spot,
near the back door if possible so you can just pick a few sprigs as you‟re
cooking.
GO ORNAMENTAL ……..
The French would probably call this a Potager i.e. “an ornamental kitchen
garden”. If you want to grow a bit more but don‟t want to dig up the garden,
why not incorporate a few things into your existing garden. Lots of vegetable
plants are very ornamental and will blend into the existing garden whilst
providing a few tasty treats. Garden centres will have all of these so you don‟t
have to think about growing from seed unless you want to!
Runner Beans – Not everyone‟s favourite, but if you grow them yourself, pick
them young, before they get stringy, you will be converted. Make a wigwam
out of 4 or 5 bamboo canes in a border and plant one or two plants at the
bottom of each cane. Water well in the early stages to get them growing.
Beans are prolific flowerers so you will get a great show as well as loads of
beans.
Lettuce – time to expand your range and incorporate a few different varieties
in amongst the flower beds. I would always grow these from seed as they are
so easy. When the soil has warmed up, May would be fine, sprinkle a few
seeds in a gap in the border and cover with a fine layer of soil. When they‟ve
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23. Grow Your Own!
germinated, thin out so they are six inches apart. Use the ones you‟ve pulled
up in a salad. Waste not, want not! Leave the remaining plants to mature into
fully grown lettuce.
Strawberries – I think you probably need a field of plants to get a decent
dessert for a family on a regular basis but that‟s not what we are aiming for
here! We just want a treat. A few strawberry plants dotted in a sunny border
or in a big tub will provide a few delicious summer morsels. Ours get eaten
straight off the plants and never make it as far as the kitchen.
Courgettes – If you‟ve got a bigger gap you want to fill why not try a courgette
plant. Garden centres sell these and one or two plants will provide enough for
you and your neighbours! Be careful though as they can grow to over a metre
in diameter. Jamie‟s Courgette Carbonara is a great way to use them.
GETTING A BIT MORE SERIOUS ……….
If you‟ve got the space and fancy going for something in a bigger way why not
dig up some grass and go for a full blown vegetable garden. Even a patch 3m
x 3m would give you a chance to try a wider variety of things.
My advice would be not to grow “standard stuff” which, by the time yours is
ready, will be cheap and plentiful in the shops. I would focus on taste. Things
cooked straight from the garden taste so much better than things which have
travelled half way around the world and then sat in a fridge for days!
New Potatoes – Potatoes can get a bit complicated, with loads of varieties,
first earlies, second earlies, maincrop ………… forget about it. Go to the
garden centre, pick some “seed potatoes” with early on the label, plant them
according to the instructions and then dig them up when they have flowered.
It‟s as easy as that and they will taste sublime ….. I know we are lucky with
Cheshire potatoes around here but your own taste even better.
Sweetcorn – Apparently it‟s all about sugar. As soon as a sweetcorn cob is
picked the sugar starts to turn to starch. If you pick them and take them
straight to the pot you will be amazed how good they taste. BUT beware a
badger ate most of mine this year ….. he/she is a convert too!
Salad crops – If you have a bit more space, and if you sow things little and
often it‟s easy to be self sufficient for salad crops through the summer.
Try salad leaves, spring onions, radishes and a few tomatoes.
23

24. Grow Your Own!
Beetroot – These are dead easy and have been a revelation to our kids.
Forget pickling, just roast them wrapped in a foil parcel with garlic, thyme, olive
oil and balsamic vinegar. An absolute must with the Sunday roast.
GETTING REALLY SERIOUS ……….
If you want to go the whole hog or want to upgrade why not get an allotment.
This is where I have ended up!
An allotment allows you to grow a wide variety of fruit and vegetables on a
scale where you can be self sufficient for most of the year.
Local councils have allotment sites available and there may be other
organisations in your area which have allotment sites. The best approach is to
keep your eyes open and if you are passing a site call in and ask someone.
We are a friendly bunch and will tell you how to go about joining the ranks!!!
24

25. The Green Toybox
Caroline Carpenter, Oxfordshire
Providing stimulating play options for your children needn’t cost
the Earth, as Caroline Carpenter shows in her guide to some of
the more eco-friendly toys on the market, as well as some you
can make yourself…
Recycling
 When toys have been outgrown pass them on to others. Or if you are
looking for something new for your child don‟t forget second-hand toys.
Small children are not too proud to receive something that has been owned
by someone else. And a second-hand toy does not come with all that
irritating packaging that just hinders you from playing with it!
 The ideal opportunity to pick up or pass on excellent used toys in good
condition is NCT Nearly New Sales. Also try charity shops.
 Children hanker after certain toys long after they have gone out of
production. (Here speaks a woman with a Thunderbird-crazy 4-year-old!)
We have bought beloved toys second-hand from eBay.
Battery operated toys
 Try to avoid battery-hungry toys altogether but if you must have a battery
driven toy make sure you use re-chargeable batteries.
 Alternatively there are items such as musical boxes that are wound by hand
or even a few solar-powered toys. See www.ecotopia.co.uk
Fairtrade
 Organisations such as Traidcraft and Oxfam offer a range of toys, including
footballs, rag dolls and wooden puzzles. They ensure that people in
developing countries are offered a fair wage and good working conditions.
 Also see www.gtexpectations.co.uk and www.makesachange.co.uk
Made from recycled materials
 How about a teepee, Wendy house, rocket, fort or dolls‟ house made from
recycled cardboard? They are easy to assemble (and pack away flat in a
protective storage case when you have finished playing) and, as they are
made from plain cardboard, they offer a blank canvas for your child‟s own
personal decoration.
 Try pencil cases, lunch boxes, backpacks, tidy boxes and aprons made from
recycled drinks cartons. See www.thenaturalstore.co.uk, ecotopia.co.uk,
ecoutlet.co.uk and www.gogreen.cellande.co.uk for some of the recycled
products on offer.
25

26. The Green Toybox
Made from materials from Eco-friendly sources
 Organic cotton toys are suitable from birth and a particularly appropriate for
children with allergies or sensitive skin.
 Wooden toys from simple puzzles to pull-along trains to swing seats can be
purchased from companies that ensure they obtain their wood from
sustainable sources. (To make sure look for the Forest Stewardship Council
logo that guarantees wood is from sustainably managed supplies.)
DIY or Make-do-and-mend
 You don‟t have to be a sewing machine goddess or a craft diva to create a
few fun items from recycled materials. Sock puppets, robots made from
junk, pictures made from shells or leaves - it could even be fun!
 Make up your own games using items from around the house or garden. Try
obstacle races or crazy golf using flowerpots, garden chairs or anything else
you can find.
 The perennial favourite – the kitchen band. Bang on saucepans with
wooden spoons or crash lids together for cymbals. Do this on a headache-
free day!
 Large cardboard boxes are fantastic things! Turn them into cars, boats,
aeroplanes, dolls‟ beds, houses or just put them out in the garden and let
the children climb in and around them. Have fun painting them, sticking
things on and getting generally messy. And when you have finished with
them put them in the recycling bin. (Although in my experience the children
have enjoyed making them and playing with them so much that they hate to
part with them!)
 Try dressing up clothes made from
old clothes, either from
the back of your wardrobe
or from charity shops. Cut
sleeves off that are too
long or add scalloped
edges. Draw on designs
with fabric paints or sew on
simple felt shapes. (Felt
does not fray and so doesn‟t
require hemming but it
doesn‟t take kindly to
machine washing.) Add
costume jewellery – the
gaudier the better. (But keep
an eye on small children in
necklaces.)
26

27. 27

28. Stockport and District
Yellow Pages
NCT Numbers
NCT National ‘One Line’ helpline number:
0300 330 0700
For all subjects including:
Pregnancy and Birth
Breastfeeding
Postnatal
Shared Experience
Enquiries
Textphone: 020 8993 6714
Fax: 0844 243 6001
Membership: 0844 243 7000
Antenatal Bookings: Bookings2a@nct.org.uk
Parent Services Administrator: 0844 243 6971 (class bookings)
Local Branch Enquiries: 0844 243 6282 (local rate)
NCT Websites
Antenatal classes: www.nct.org.uk/courses/antenatal-courses
NCT Stockport website: www.nct.org.uk/branches/stockport
Useful Local Numbers
Breastfeeding Stockport: Sarah McKie
Breastfeeding Specialist Midwife
0161 419 5502 Mobile 07767 870506
sarah.mckie@stockport.nhs.uk
www.breastfeedingstockport.org.uk
Stockport Family Info Link: 0808 800 0606
www.fil.org.uk
28

29. What’s on Offer?
Antenatal Classes
These are small and friendly courses run by NCT trained teachers
and are arranged so that partners can come too. The course
explains many subjects including birth choices, labour positions, pain
relief, breastfeeding and life with a new baby. Space is limited so
please book early. For more info, dates and availability please
e-mail bookings2a@nct.org.uk or visit our website
www.nct.org.uk/branches/stockport/courses
Coffee Contacts
Coffee contacts are often the first point of contact for new
members. They are volunteers responsible for co-ordinating
the members in each particular area of Stockport, providing a
warm welcome and promoting relevant activities to those in
their area. They are also a general source of knowledge and
information on the child-friendly activities in their area (NCT
and non-NCT).
Please see next page for details of your local contact or
contact the Parent Support Co-ordinator (Lizzie) stockportnctparents@gmail.com
Drop-ins
Stockport & District NCT offer a range of local drop-in groups.
Bumps and Babies groups are for pregnant members and members with babies (under
1s generally). Older siblings are welcome with a baby. These are friendly groups where
you come to have tea, cake and a chat with other mums. Open to all (members and
non members). Some groups charge a small entry fee, others just charge for
refreshments.
Toddler Time is for walkers/pre-school age children. It is held in a public soft play
centre but our group has a reserved sofa area in the cafe. The entrance fee includes a
drink and biscuit for the children. Please see next page for full listings.
Nearly New Sales
The cost of kitting out your child for the first five
years can run into thousands of pounds. NCT Nearly
New Sales are the perfect solution, offering
affordable accessories for you while fundraising to
support other parents in the UK.
Sales are open to both members and non-members,
although NCT members have the benefit of early
access to the sale.
Stockport & District Nearly New Sales run twice yearly in Cheadle Hulme.
For more information e-mail stockportnctnearlynewsale@gmail.com
29

30. Area by Area
Cheadle Heath/ Coffee contact: Meg aletea@gmail.com
Davenport/Edgeley:
Bumps, Babies & Beyond Fridays 10am-11.30am
Held weekly at members’ homes
(no requirement to host)
Please see our facebook group NCT Cheadle Heath,
Edgeley and Davenport for details of the rota.
Bramhall/ Coffee contact: Julia joolzdavison@hotmail.com
Hazel Grove/
Cheadle/Gatley: Bumps and Babies Fridays 10.00am – 11.30am
(all year round) St Michael’s Church Hall,
St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall SK7 2PG
Contact Tracey nctstmichaels@gmail.com
The Heatons: Coffee contacts: Petra p.meier@sheffield.ac.uk and
Sarah srakane@gmail.com
Bumps & Babies Thursdays 11.30am-12.30pm
The Orangery, 54 Heaton Moor Road, SK4 4NZ
Contact Sarah srakane@gmail.com
Marple: Coffee contact: Annie annie.simmonite@gmail.com
Bumps, Babies & Beyond Wednesdays from 1.30pm
Wyevale Garden Centre, Dooley Lane SK6 7HE
Contact Annie or see our Facebook page
Marple NCT Bumps & Babies for up-to-date
information
Toddler Time Mondays from 10.00am
(term-time only)
Rough & Tumble, Goyt Mill, Upper Hibbert Lane
Marple SK6 7HX
Contact Tracey nctstmichaels@gmail.com
(07595 020276)
30

31. 31

32. 32

33. ADVERTISING FEATURE
If you're like us and need more space, help is at hand. Our friends at Big
Yellow rent secure storage rooms from as small as 10 sq ft to as large as 500 sq
ft, from as little as 7 days, to as long as you need. As an NCT member, just quote
‘NCT’ either in store or at bigyellow.co.uk to get an extra 10% off your storage.
33

34. Now from Stockport NCT Hire and
sales of breast pumps from the
leading Swiss manufacturer:
Why express milk to feed your baby? • There may be various reasons: Your
baby is in special or intensive care • You are apart from your baby, to go out or
to work • For comfort, if your breasts are engorged or if your nipples are sore
(whilst you review baby‟s positioning and attachment to solve these issues) • To
supplement your baby's 'direct' breastfeed if there is concern about how actively
he is feeding, and to help him gain weight • To boost your milk supply by
increasing demand.
For further information and rates please contact
NCT Volunteer Breast Pump Agent Maria Novelly
0161 431 5037 • maria.novelly@googlemail.com
ARDO is WHO code compliant
and supports breastfeeding.
Advertising
This quarterly newsletter goes to clinics, health professionals and hospitals,
Glo Family and other play areas as well as to new and expectant parents in
the Stockport area, with a current print run of 450.
Rates for advertising in the newsletter start at just £30 for a half page, with
discounts given for multiple insertions booked in advance.
We can also send out your flyer or leaflet with each newsletter for only £36.
To enquire about advertising with Stockport NCT please contact Angela:
stockportnctadvertising@gmail.com
The deadline for the next issue will be 1st May 2013.
It is the revenue from our advertisers that makes
the publication of this newsletter possible - so if
you use their products or services, please
remember to let them know that you saw
their ad in our NCT newsletter!
34

35. Key Branch Contacts
Chair: Annabel stockportnctchair@gmail.com
Treasurer: Emily stockportncttreasurer@gmail.com
Nearly New Sale Treasurer: Stephen stockportncttreasurer@gmail.com
Branch Secretary Clodagh clodagh1012001@yahoo.co.uk
Membership Secretary: Billie-Jo stockportnctmembership@gmail.com
Advertising Co-ordinator: Angela stockportnctadvertising@gmail.com
Fundraising Co-ordinator: VACANT stockportnctfundraising@gmail.com
Grant Application Treasurer: Sarah stockportnctfundraising@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Julia stockportnctnewsletter@gmail.com
Publicity Co-ordinator Ellie stockportnctpublicity@gmail.com
Parent Support Co-ordinator: Lizzie stockportnctparents@gmail.com
Web Editor: Tom stockportnctweb@gmail.com
Home Birth Group Contact: Jay S 07807 189562
bethandtash@hotmail.com
Nearly New Sale Team: stockportnctnearlynewsale@gmail.com
Antenatal Teachers: Jane jane.hughes.m@ntlworld.com
Sally-July sally@wiredtothemoon.com
Heather hthorpe105@aol.com
Jane c.jane.broadbent@gmail.com
Laura laura@bump2beyond.co.uk
Sarah saraheddleston@yahoo.co.uk
Sue susan.almond@hotmail.co.uk
Jay S bethandtash@hotmail.com
Breastfeeding Counsellors: Maria 0161 431 5037
maria.novelly@googlemail.com
Annie 0161 449 0377
annie.simmonite@gmail.com
ARDO Breast Pump Agent: Maria maria.novelly@googlemail.com
Valley Cushion Agent: Jo K 07876 318690
jo.kennedy@ntlworld.com
PSA Link: Heather hthorpe105@aol.com
User Rep: Sally-July sally@wiredtothemoon.com
35

36. 36

37. Herbs for Nursing Mothers
Avani Rose, Stockport
Herbs are plants that can be used in food, medicine or perfume.
In this article Avani Rose takes a look at the effect of a variety
of herbs on breastmilk production, the nursing mother and her
baby...
Like many breastfeeding mothers, I sought the advice of an appropriate
have been keen to limit my intake of practitioner.
caffeine. I tried decaffeinated coffee
but didn‟t like the taste, and after Some herbs can affect blood sugar
reading how decaffeination could levels, so it is particularly important
actually increase certain health risks, to seek medical advice if you suffer
I turned my attention to herbal teas. from conditions such as diabetes, or
I enrolled on a correspondence if you have any known allergies.
course, learning about the medicinal
properties of different herbs, and
making my own herbal teas (or
Milk increasing teas
tisanes, as they are more properly (galactagogues)
known) became something of a
hobby. For centuries, herbs have been used
around the globe to boost milk
One thing that became clear to me supply. This can be very useful for
was that all herbs have some kind of people who want a natural solution
effect on the body and so it is to supply issues. However, before
essential to do your research before trying to increase your milk you
even consuming off-the shelf herbal should make sure low supply really
teas or remedies. Due to my own is the problem, perhaps by
situation, I was particularly interested consulting a breastfeeding
in the properties of herbs in relation counsellor, as feeding problems are
to breastfeeding and thought I would often caused by other factors such
share some of my research with you as the baby‟s latch and increasing
now. milk supply beyond what is needed
can cause its own problems. Here
Please note, I am not a qualified are some of the better known herbal
herbalist or medical practitioner, and galactagogues:
have written the following only as a
guide based on my own research Fenugreek: Fenugreek is one of the
and experience. If you are unsure few herbs that has actually been the
about the safety of any substance, it subject of scientific study in relation
is best to avoid it until you have to lactation, with results supporting
37

38. Herbs for Nursing Mothers
its galactagogue effect.
A study published in the September
2000 issue of the Academy of
Breastfeeding Medicine's journal
measured the breast milk production
of exclusively pumping mothers
taking a fenugreek supplement three
times daily and found their milk
production increased by an average
of 124%. One harmless side effect
of fenugreek is that it can cause the
mother‟s sweat, milk and urine to
smell of maple syrup or curry.
Fennel: Fennel is a herbal
galactagogue that is thought to aid in
promoting let down rather than
actually increasing milk supply,
which can be particularly helpful if Fennel: A botanical illustration
supply is adequate but you are
having trouble getting the flow nutrients that may boost milk supply
started when pumping. Fennel can in breastfeeding mothers as well-
aid digestion, so may also be helpful nourished mothers suffer from fewer
in settling a fussy baby. One supply problems than under-
advantage of fennel is that the tea is nourished mothers.
actually rather pleasant tasting,
unlike many of the other herbal Goat’s Rue: This traditional
preparations! galactagogue has been used for
centuries and gets its name because
Thistle (milk & blessed): Blessed dairy farmers noted a milk
thistle and milk thistle are members production increase of 35-50% in
of the asteraceae family of flowering animals who grazed on the wild
plants which includes asters, daisies, herb. Fresh goat‟s rue can be toxic
chamomile and sunflowers. Both so caution should be taken if
are thought to be galactagogues, wildcrafting the herb to prepare your
and milk thistle is also known for its own remedies.
restorative effect on the liver.
Nettle: Nettle is rich in vitamins and
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a mild minerals, and these are thought to
galactagogue that is very high in increase milk production. It is often
essential vitamins, minerals and combined with other galactagogues
other micronutrients. It may be these in commercial preparations.
38

39. Herbs for Nursing Mothers
Care must be taken, however, as the herbal discovery.
herb has an astringent affect and in
individuals who are sensitive to this Ginger: Great to settle an upset
milk production may be inhibited stomach, promotes an overall feeling
rather than increased. of wellbeing.
Raspberry Leaf: Best known for its Citrus & citrus peel (orange,
use in toning the uterus before birth, lemon etc): Full of vitamins,
raspberry leaf is also recognised as minerals and anti-oxidants, a great
a galactagogue. As with nettle, boost to the immune system.
caution must be exercised due to the
herb‟s astringent effect. Rose hip: Contains high levels of
immunity boosting vitamin C.
Safe herbal teas Cinnamon: Eases indigestion, can
fight the onset of colds and viral
infections.
Chamomile: Promotes restfulness
and natural sleep. Can help settle a
teething baby.
Evening primrose: A very calming
herb, thought to be a natural anti-
depressant.
Herbs to avoid
There are some commonly used
If you are not looking to increase herbs that reduce or impede milk
milk production, but want to find a supply and should therefore be
tea that is safe to drink while avoided by breastfeeding mothers.
breastfeeding, then you may want to These include:
consider some of the following
herbs. This is obviously not a Sage
complete list, just a few of the more Mint/menthol (spearmint &
common herbs and their better peppermint)
known properties. It is amazing to Parsley
think that nature offers us this vast
Oregano
pharmacy in the form of plantlife,
and I hope that it may inspire you to Thyme
embark on your own journey of
39

40. Herbs for Nursing Mothers
It is unclear whether using a small Herbs that should be avoided
amount of these herbs in cookery completely by breastfeeding
will have any impact on milk supply, mothers include goldenseal,
but if you are at all concerned about rhubarb, liquorice root, guarana,
the sage & onion stuffing you are ginseng, angelica root, ephedra and
serving along with your Sunday senna leaf.
roast, why not swap it for the
delicious traditional Scottish oatmeal Again this is by no means a
stuffing, as oats are known to have complete list, and any herbal
a beneficial effect on milk production preparation should be thoroughly
and also said to promote general researched before consumption,
feelings of wellbeing: even if it is sold in a supermarket or
health food store, as it may not be
Just mix 100g rolled oats with 50g suitable in your specific
suet and a finely chopped onion, circumstances.
adding a small amount of water if
necessary to bind, and season to
taste.
40

41. Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Labour
Ellie Thouret, Stockport & District Branch
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy which treats patients
by inserting fine needles at certain points in the body. Here
Ellie Thouret talks about her experiences with acupuncture for
fertility, pregnancy and labour.
My first experience of
acupuncture was as a child,
accompanying my dad to a
session. I clearly remember
being upset at the thought of
my dad being punctured with
needles, so the acupuncturist
put a couple in my hand to
show me how it worked. Both
my parents had regular
acupuncture treatments for a Photo: Pat Olson
range of conditions, and in
the 80s this was quite
uncommon! reasons behind my interest in
acupuncture. She also explained in a
When my husband and I decided to nutshell how acupuncture worked
start a family, a friend recommended and gave me the opportunity to ask
acupuncture as a safe, non-invasive questions.
and non-pharmaceutical fertility
treatment. She fell pregnant I initially had treatments for anxiety
immediately after her first treatment! I and stress, as well as to improve
knew acupuncture couldn't fertility. Funnily enough, I fell
guarantee that I'd fall pregnant pregnant after my second treatment!
straight away, but I liked the idea of I also felt much less anxious and
complementary medicine (I also use generally happier, so I continued with
aromatherapy and homeopathy), so I acupuncture throughout my
did some research and found Fiona pregnancy.
Bullock, an acupuncturist in Hazel
Grove who has experience with An acupuncturist tailors treatments to
antenatal acupuncture. you as an individual, taking many
factors into account, which makes it
I didn't really know what to expect at very different to Western medicine.
my first session, but Fiona made me As I suffered badly with morning
feel very comfortable. She took a full sickness during my first and second
medical history and we explored the trimesters, many of my treatments
41

42. Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Labour
were geared towards providing relief. various pressure points during my
Fiona even gave me some tiny very short and painful labour, but I
acupressure balls to put into found it really helpful to cope with the
pressure points in my ears, which pain, along with aromatherapy, yoga
raised some eyebrows at work! breathing and positions. In the later
stages, my husband helped me to
When I started to prepare for labour, use one particular pressure point
I was interested to learn that (between the thumb and forefinger)
acupuncture and acupressure can be to focus during contractions and
used for pain relief. Fiona talked me concentrate on pushing.
through various techniques to help
during labour – there are some I found acupuncture very effective
pressure points which are even during pregnancy and I recommend it
supposed to help speed labour up, to everyone!
help the baby engage in the correct
position, etc. British Acupuncture Council
www.acupuncture.org.uk
I'm amazed that I remembered the
42

43. Osteopathy
Gemma Irvine, Cheadle
Gemma Irvine, of Cheadle Osteopathy, explains how osteopathic
treatment can benefit mother and baby during pregnancy and
after birth...
When you find out you are
pregnant it’s a very exciting time.
There is a lot to do and prepare
for – the nursery, prams, clothes
…..the list goes on, but what
about preparing your own body
for the huge changes ahead?
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a hands on treatment
for the joints, muscles, nerves and
ligaments. We look at the body as a
whole and recognise that problems
in one part of the body can have a
knock on effect on the way we walk
and move – subsequently affecting
other areas and joints and muscles.
The body is very good at adapting to changes within your body. Several
these stresses but sometimes it is physical factors can determine how
more than it is able to cope with and well your body can adapt to the
we start to feel discomfort or pain. changes required.
Osteopaths look for the root cause of Nobody‟s body is perfect, we all
the problem so we can treat it more carry various stresses and strains
effectively and prevent it from with us due to poor posture, previous
returning. injuries and strains of everyday life
such as working and caring for
children. Whilst normally your body
Your body and adapts to these strains very well, the
pregnancy increased pressure and demands of
pregnancy makes this more difficult
During pregnancy there are huge and pain can start to develop.
physical, emotional and chemical
43

44. Osteopathy
Common problems in baby has to go through to be born.
pregnancy include:
The baby‟s whole body has to go
 Muscular and joint aches through several twists and turns in
and pains order to be born. Cleverly a baby is
designed with the birth process in
 Sciatica
mind. They have tiny joints between
 Pubic symphysis
the bones in their heads. These
discomfort, pelvic girdle
joints are very soft and allow the
pain (SPD / PSD / PGP)
bones to overlap, making the head
 Headaches smaller. This process is called
 Digestive discomfort e.g. “moulding”.
heartburn
Whilst it is beneficial that the baby‟s
Through massage, stretches and head and body are soft and
joint mobilisations, Osteopathy can “mouldable”, sometimes when the
help to reduce strains within your stresses of labour are increased it
body. This enables you to can mean that the baby‟s body is
accommodate the changes better, easily strained and compressed.
elevating your discomfort.
Osteopathy is also great for
preparing your body for the labour.
Reducing physical restrictions within
the pelvis and lower back enables
your pelvis to open more easily to
allow the baby to pass through. In
some cases this allows a back to
back or breech baby, for example,
more room to wriggle and turn into a
better position for the birth.
Welcome to the world
baby…..
When it doesn’t all go
Now the time has come to meet your
baby. However there is some hard quite to plan….
work to be done first, by you and Cranial Osteopaths believe that
your baby. While everyone several factors during birth can
appreciates that birth can be a contribute to additional stresses and
stressful and emotional time for the strains on the baby‟s head and body.
mother, let‟s think about what the
44

45. Osteopathy
Slow labours: This can be a sign
that the baby isn’t quite in the right
What is Cranial
position and may need to twist and Osteopathy?
wriggle a bit more to get out.
Cranial osteopathy uses gentle and
Fast labours: Although this might
subtle pressures anywhere on the
seem like a good option, it doesn’t
body (not just the head, as the name
give the baby’s body enough time to
suggests) to relieve these
gradually mould to the birth canal. It
compressions and strains. Cranial
can be a bit of a shock for mum and
Osteopaths recognise the
baby.
importance of subtle changes in
Malpositioning/presentation (e.g.
body mechanics and their effects on
back to back or breech): This can
the whole body. As children grow,
make the labour more difficult and
bumps, falls and stresses of growth
stressful for mum and baby.
spurts can result in mechanical
dysfunctions which could be helped
Ventouse or forceps are sometimes
through osteopathy too.
needed to deliver the baby safely.
Nature provides again to help the
Cranial osteopathy is used in adults
baby, as after the birth crying and
too and many pregnant ladies prefer
sucking help the baby to relieve
this gentler approach to treatment.
these compressions. Most babies
cope well with these additional
stresses and resolve them Don’t forget mum
themselves. However some babies
Now your baby is here, in between
may need a little help. In addition to
nappy changes, feeding and
the compressions within their head
sleepless nights it is easy to forget
or body, there are also tiny nerves
that your body is trying to recover
which pass between the small bones
from the birth and getting used to
in the head which supply the
new postures involved with feeding
digestive and other systems.
and caring for your new bundle.
Parents of babies who have had An osteopathic check- up after the
difficult births sometimes report that birth can help to identify and correct
their baby cries excessively, doesn‟t any strains and imbalances, helping
seem to be able to relax or seems to your body to recover more fully and
have digestive discomfort such as quickly from birth.
wind. Infacol, colief, easy digest Your new baby needs you to be
milks and dummies are some healthy.
common options which may help to So when your write your “to do
relieve the baby‟s discomfort. One list….” as you prepare for your new
option you might consider is cranial baby don‟t forget about yourself!
osteopathy.
45

46. Birthaid! The First Few Sacred Days
Rozy Kalliabetsos, Croydon
Rosanna Kalliabetsos is the Founder of InJoy Yoga, a Doula and
birthing tutor. She is also Co-Chair of the Croydon University
Hospital MSLC. This article is written as a guide to natural
healthcare during and after birth and in the first few days of
baby’s life, in order to help us make the most of this sacred and
wondrous time.
 Your breath is there for you no your bum sends the baby too far
matter what happens during birth back. Just relax, when you get
and after, use all the breathing the urge to bear down, follow it
techniques you love to create a and do nothing until you get that
feeling of peace and trust & urge. If you have an epidural, lie
acceptance of what is. on your left side during 2nd
Remember that the antidote to stage and ask the care team to
pain is breathing OUT, not let the epidural wear off so you
holding your breath as many can at least feel when to bear
midwives will tell you to do, down.
during the pushing stage. During
contractions focus on breathing  Pure essential oil of lavender,
out and sounding your breath, and a gentle baby carrier oil
during moments of rest focus on (grapeseed, organic sunflower,
breathing in deeply and taking apricot kernel, vitamin E oil) can
lots of extra oxygen to your baby.
 Please note that if a mother is
breathing well, there is no need
for the baby to go into foetal
distress - even during 2nd stage.
The Royal College of Midwives
has published papers stating that
„directed pushing‟ (holding breath
style) is counter productive to a
normal vaginal birth both for
mother and baby. And you
certainly don‟t need to push like
you are doing a poo! Babies
don‟t come out of your bottom,
and focusing on pushing into
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47. Birthaid! The First Few Sacred Days
be bought online through Neil‟s best oil/moisturiser ever if you
Yard remedies [or at their store want to put anything on. Note that
in central Manchester—Ed.] in cold temperatures it solidifies
Neways also do them (http:// but will soon warm up in your
injoyneways.ineways.eu – this hands.
will take you to my page on the
site and you can order from  Arnica 30c tablet form and Bach‟s
there). The smell will soothe you Rescue Remedy will benefit both
both during labour and after. you and your baby during labour
Please note that most baby care and as you recover physically
ranges available on high street and emotionally from the labour
are made from mineral oil as a and birth.
base oil and this dries out your
baby‟s skin. There are lots of  Even the most awesome and
companies online that do ecstatic experience is still HUGE
wonderful organic and non-toxic for both of you! If you can, hire or
creams and potions and your purchase a pregnancy and birth
local health food shop should homeopathic kit. Your birth
have some great ranges to try. partner can help to administer
relevant remedies throughout the
 Pure sea salt combined with a birth experience and after.
few drops lavender oil and a Homeopathy is said to work on
carrier oil as mentioned above, healing the emotional state as
added to a bath every day, will well as physical ailments.
do wonders to help you with Homeopathy and other holistic
healing your perineum and approaches to health are much
getting over any bruising. This gentler than conventional
will help you to heal if you treatments and aim to treat the
needed stitches or just feel a bit cause rather than just the
„sore‟. symptom. Often they do the job
perfectly, but if conventional
 Babies need nothing but water on treatment is strongly advised,
their skin for the first few months, homeopathy can support the
so if you are using nappy wipes, healing and recovery.
make sure you wash your baby‟s Homeopathy has no known side
skin when you are home with effects.
water only. This will minimise skin
irritation such as nappy rash, and  If you or your baby were
reduce risks of developing skin administered any antibiotics
complaints such as eczema. through pregnancy, birth or after,
Allow plenty of „bare bottom‟ time nutritionists strongly recommend
too! Organic coconut oil is the taking a course of high grade
47

48. Birthaid! The First Few Sacred Days
probiotics (multi strain not just can look at before your baby
acidophillus) for at least 2 weeks. comes so you can familiarise
Its best to go to a good health yourself with the basics of
food shop - tell them what enjoyable breastfeeding.
antibiotics you had and they will
let you know what probiotics are THE FIRST FEW DAYS!
best suited. This helps to line the Now your baby has come into the
gut with good bacteria to boost world, what’s next?
immune system and fight future
infections. Antibiotics kill ALL
bacteria in the gut and that
means the good ones too!
Probiotics are also good for your
baby if they were born by
Caesarean, if you formula feed,
or if you or your baby are prone
to thrush. Go online for more
information, or consult a
recommended nutritionist or
dietician.
 An organic Savoy Cabbage (for
when milk comes in), ideally
refrigerated. When colustrum
turns to milk, roughly 3 days after
birth, your breasts can feel as
though they need cooling down!  Please remember your baby has
Take one leaf of the cabbage per been inside you for a long time
breast, „score‟ the inside with a and the most familiar sounds he
sharp knife and then place within knows are your voice, the rhythm
the cups of your bra so that the of your heartbeat, and breathing
leaf surrounds the breast. This rhythm.
will decrease swelling and
engorgement and allow the milk  It comes as a shock to many
to flow. parents that all babies want is to
be held all the time! This can
 Make sure you have the number worry some parents as they don‟t
of a recommended breast feeding want to „spoil‟ their baby, but
specialist and contact the NCT, research shows that babies who
local hospital, and La Leche are held close either by mum,
League for breastfeeding support. dad or a close person to the
There are little clips online you family, all of the time, sleep
48

49. Birthaid! The First Few Sacred Days
better, feed better, put on weight engaged with your baby when
and grow into inquisitive and they were inside you, will pacify
secure older babies. your baby once they are outside.
Often they simply miss the womb-
 How long will you need to carry it was always warm and they
and hold your baby? It depends were always held - remember
on your baby, the birth that from complete dependence
experience and environment your comes complete independence!
baby is born into. Generally Look at
within a few weeks, babies start www.consciouslyparenting.com
to „unfurl‟- you see their limbs are for lots of info on what our babies
less tightly closed up in a ball and need from us in the early days.
massage and baby yoga really
helps to instil trust in you as a
parent able to meet the needs of
your baby.
 Invest in a good sling - please
look on
www.thebabywearer.com for lots
of info on good slings. I love the
kari me sling, or for later on the
ergo carrier or Joey maitai slings.
Your baby was carried by you for
a long time - it is natural that what
she will find most soothing is
being carried whilst you go about
your day.
 It is common for babies to
become restless or cry a lot
during the hours of the day/night
that were the last hour of their
birth. This is the time to talk to  You will both need PLENTY of
your baby about the birth and rest to soothe the nervous system
what was happening at this time, after birth. Please resist the
to reassure them they are safe, temptation to invite everyone
and if necessary, to play them round to see the baby and for you
familiar music that you listened to to look as though you are „back to
a lot when you were pregnant, or normal‟ in 3 days. The more you
to chant the sounds you loved to rest over the first 3-6 weeks, the
chant in class - all the ways you quicker you will recover and feel
49

50. Birthaid! The First Few Sacred Days
good about being a new Mum. birth to keep your essential
Your baby will also get to grips nutrients topped up, along with
with life much more easily. When EFAs. Floradix is a liquid mineral
babies are over-stimulated by & iron supplement that is great if
noise, light and too many hands you had a long labour or blood
touching and holding them, they transfusion. It will help to keep
tend to „shut down‟ so that their your energy levels up as you get
nervous system can cope. Babies used to new mummahood.
take 6 times as long to process
what is going on around them so  Sleeping with your baby -
talk to them softly, move slowly, sometimes this is the only way to
and make sure those who are get some sleep! Personally I co-
around do the same. If slept with my daughter for the first
grandparents want to visit, or couple of years and all I needed
friends want to „help‟- they will be was a big bed to get good rest!
much more useful supporting you There is lots written on
with chores around the house www.babiesknow.com about co-
and cooking, tending to you in sleeping and the benefits. Also
bed, than holding YOUR baby so the book „Three in a bed‟ is worth
that you get on with everything. reading with your partner before
These first weeks are precious your baby is born. Some babies
and set the tone for babyhood will be happy in another room
and the positive nurturing from early on - it depends on your
dynamics of family life.. Your baby and what works for you as
smell, your touch, your voice are parents.
what your baby wants - the rest of
the world can wait!! Sleep when  Please read „Why love matters‟
your baby sleeps, and when you before considering any Gina Ford
are both awake, your baby will be methods of getting your baby into
happy to be in a sling with you as a „routine‟. Please also trust your
you go about your day. instincts as a parent, rather than
the voices around you -
 Late pregnancy is the time to remember you and only you are
cook lots of nourishing food and hardwired to understand the
freeze it for when you are in the unique needs of your own baby.
throws of new parenthood, and You know what your baby needs
the more you invest in good if you listen inside to your heart
nutrition, the better your milk and not so much at what „helpful
supply will be. advise‟ others want to give you.
Your baby chose you both as
 It‟s worth continuing to take a parents with good reason. You
good quality multivitamin post cannot spoil your baby with love!!!
50

51. Birth Story
In this issue’s Birth Story, Ellie shares her experiences of the
natural birth of son Lucas at Stepping Hill Hospital.
On Sunday 29th April 2012, I went hospital (Stepping Hill maternity
into labour with my first baby. I'd triage) and they said to try and stay
started to lose my mucus plug from at home as long as I could deal with
when I first woke up that morning the pain - I didn‟t think it would be
and it continued much longer at that
through the day. I had point. I put on my yoga
a 'bloody show' during breathing CD and tried
the afternoon and I‟d out some yoga poses,
been having period- but nothing really
pain-like cramps. helped alleviate the
However, as I‟d had pain, so I started to
Braxton-Hicks think I‟d like to go to
contractions regularly the hospital…the
for the past three thought of gas and air
weeks, I didn‟t want to was very appealing at
get my hopes up that this point!
true labour had
started! I felt very sick so
during the car ride, I
At about 5pm, I was on clutched an old
the phone to my dad washing up bowl (I
when the contractions started to get didn‟t need to use it, luckily) and
quite painful and difficult to talk wrapped myself up in a blanket. We
through. I got off the phone and ran got to the hospital and I found it
a bath, and my husband poured really, really hard to walk to the
warm water over my back between ward as the contractions felt so
contractions. We burned some strong. When we finally got to
essential oils (jasmine I think) and triage, I was begging for gas and
tried to create a relaxing air! I had an internal and I was
atmosphere, which was difficult as I dilated only to 3cm, which meant I
was in a fair amount of pain by this was not in established labour and
point. I got out of the bath and would normally be sent home. But
started to struggle with the because I was in so much pain, the
contractions, completely zoning out lovely midwife gave me some gas
when they hit and clutching onto a and air and put me on the fetal
blanket and towel. I also started to heart/contractions monitor. The gas
shiver and shake quite a lot and had and air really helped me to cope
really bad back pain. We called the with the pain, although it also made
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52. Birth Story
me throw up a few times. I This period is a bit hazy as I had a
remember telling my husband, “I lot of gas and air and was in a LOT
love gas and air, it‟s like being on of pain, but I remember asking for
drugs!” and telling the midwife that I stronger pain relief and quite
loved her. forcefully being offered pethidine. I
specifically hadn‟t wanted pethidine,
Next, things started to go downhill as I was concerned about it
as the baby‟s heart rate was crossing the placenta too close to
dropping quite dramatically with the delivery and affecting the baby.
each contraction, although it was My husband asked me whether I
recovering in between. The midwife was sure, and I remember saying, “I
on the birth unit spoke to the can‟t cope with this if it‟s going to be
midwives on the delivery suite hours, it‟s code red,” which is what
(where any labours with we‟d agreed as a code word when I
complications have to go) and they absolutely needed pain relief.
decided to monitor me down there
for a while, and if the baby's heart While the midwives were out of the
rate seemed fine, I‟d be allowed to room dispensing the pethidine, I
come back up to the birth centre threw up while having a contraction
(with the lovely water pools and (not very nice) and suddenly got the
everything - that‟s where I‟d wanted urge to push. I told my husband,
to give birth). and when the midwives returned he
asked them to wait until I‟d finished
At this point I was completely out of the contraction to make sure I was
it and almost fell asleep in the toilet 100% happy having the pethidine.
while the midwives were waiting for He also told them that I had the
me with the wheelchair. I was taken urge to push and they asked me if it
down to the delivery suite and had felt like I needed a poo - it didn‟t, so
to lie flat on the bed so the baby I said, “No, it feels like there is a
could be monitored. The consultant head coming out down there!” They
obstetrician came in to check on me offered me an internal before
and said he wasn‟t too concerned administering the pethidine, and
as long as the baby's heart rate found out that I was 9cm dilated! I
didn‟t drop any further. At this point I couldn‟t believe it and kept saying,
was still only dilated to 3cm (it was “What? What? 9CM?!” At that point
about 1am on the 30th April now), I knew it would only be an hour or
so the midwife dimmed the lights, two more until I met my son, so I
sat in the corner and said they‟d decided not to take the pethidine. At
perform the next checks in four some point, my waters broke while
hours. he was crowning but I‟m not sure of
the chronology of events.
52

53. Birth Story
I really wanted to push at this point pooed, and looked up at me with his
and was screaming through the beautiful, angry, inky blue eyes.
contractions and feeling very out of
it and confused. I was inadvertently I was so tired and overwhelmed at
pushing a bit and the midwife kept this point that I elected to have a
telling me not to, and my husband managed third stage. My husband
kept telling me to keep the gas and cut the umbilical cord, which he
air nozzle in my mouth as I was found very strange and said it felt
taking it out to scream. Then the spongy. The whole thing took 2
baby‟s heart rate started to drop hours 45 minutes from 3cm dilation
even more as he was getting tired, to the placenta being delivered. I
and it seemed like all of a sudden had a second-degree tear so I had
the room was full of people - I found to have stitches but I didn‟t mind,
out afterwards that there were two because I had gas and air and my
midwives, the supervisor of gorgeous new baby to look at and
midwives, the consultant OB and a distract me.
consultant paediatrician. They
decided that the baby needed to be The whole experience was very
delivered right now, so they would traumatic because it happened so
need to use forceps. They gave me fast and I felt like I had no control
a local anaesthetic in preparation whatsoever over what was
for an episiotemy and explained to happening to me and my baby. We
my husband and I what was still don‟t know why his heart rate
happening. Possibly in response to was dropping - he swallowed quite
the threat of the forceps, my body a bit of amniotic fluid, so it could
started to push extremely effectively have been that or he could just
(although I kept trying to keep my have been getting tired. It had no
legs shut!) and in no time the baby‟s lasting effect on him, thank
head was delivered! I‟ll never know goodness, and he got a perfect
how I managed to stop pushing score on his Apgar test at all three
while the body turned, but I did, and intervals.
the rest of our beautiful baby was
born. The midwives placed him on And the tea and toast afterwards
my chest and he started to cry, was the best thing I‟ve ever tasted!
If you have a Birth Story to share, we’d love to hear from you!
Just e-mail stockportnctnewsletter@gmail.com
We depend on your stories, pictures and articles to keep this publication
local, relevant and interesting to our readers —
so do keep them coming!
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