The number of women forced out of their jobs because they are either pregnant or on maternity leave has more than doubled in the past decade, according to a major report. Research published today estimates that about 60,000 women suffer such discrimination annually, while the introduction earlier this year of £1,200 up front tribunal fees has exacerbated the problem by deterring tens of thousands from taking legal action against their employer. One in three of those who unfairly lose their jobs and win a tribunal are paid no compensation at all, and only four in 10 tribunal awards are paid in full. Since 2008, as many as 250,000 women have been forced out of their job simply for being pregnant or taking maternity leave, according to the report by the charity Maternity Action.
Pregnant? Don't expect your job back The Independent 8th December 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Probiotics in pregnancy not linked to asthma rate in infants
Taking probiotics has health benefits but preventing childhood asthma isn't one of them, shows newly published research led by medical scientists at the University of Alberta. "Taking probiotics had no effect on the asthma rate," said Azad, who works in the Faculty's Department of Pediatrics. "We haven't shown there's any harm in giving probiotics, but it can't really be advised as a strategy to prevent asthma. "That doesn't mean probiotics aren't good for other reasons. There's really good evidence that probiotics are beneficial to infants who are born pre-term and suffer from a bowel condition. There's also good evidence that probiotics might prevent eczema. Her team made another interesting finding that warrants more research: babies who received probiotics as infants or in utero had higher incidences of lower respiratory infections. But "more research is required "
Taking probiotics during pregnancy has no effect on asthma rate amoung infants News Medical. net 9 December 2013
Taking probiotics during pregnancy has no effect on asthma rate amoung infants News Medical. net 9 December 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
Branch Events December 2013
Bumps, Babies and Beyond
Friday 6th 10 - 11.30am
Methodist Church HallChapel Street
Ely
(Map)
FREE ENTRY including refreshments and festive home-made cakes.
SPECIAL GUEST: We are going to be having a special guest in each month who provides a children's service or activity in the area. This month we are pleased to welcome Crackpots ceramics. With their help you can create Christmas gifts incorporating your child(ren)'s handprint. They will bring pottery that is suitable for doing hand prints on - mugs, coasters, Christmas baubles and tree decorations, plates and photo frames. Prices will start from £5 for the coasters and go up to £22.50 for the photo frame. Mugs are £9.50, Tree decorations start at £6.50 and go up to £12.95.
(Please note: Payment will be on the day by either cash or cheque. Card payment can be done if they take the card details and then process once back in the studio) They will take the finished items back to the studio for glazing and firing and the collection can be made from the studio on Broad Street.
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Usborne Books will also be there so you sort out lots of Christmas presents at once!
The usual toys and Christmas craft activities will be available for babies and toddlers. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding welcome. Parking available in St Mary's Street car park. Entrance to the church hall is through the blue gate at the back of the car park.
Open Houses
Monday 2nd 9.30-11.15am
At Mags' house in ElyTuesday 10th 1.30-3.30pm
At Maxine's house in Soham
Tuesday 17th 9.30-11am
At Nancy's house in Aldreth
Friday 27th 10am-12pm
At Emma's house in Ely
Monday 30th 10-11.30am
At Maxine's house in Soham
At Maxine's house in Soham
For more info about open house locations see our facebook page or join our facebook group. Alternatively call 0844 2436175 or email ely_nct@yahoo.co.uk.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
ADHD linked to social and economic disadvantage
A study by the University of Exeter Medical School discovered that a greater percentage of children with ADHD came from families below the poverty line than the UK population as a whole. The study found the odds of parents in social housing having a child with ADHD were roughly three times greater than for those who owned their own homes.The team also found that the odds of younger mothers having a child with ADHD were significantly higher than for other mothers. Mothers with no qualifications were more than twice as likely to have a child with ADHD than those with degrees, and lone parents were more likely to have a child with ADHD diagnosis than households with two live-in parents.
Dr Ginny Russell, who led the study, said: "There is a genetic element to ADHD, but this study provides strong evidence that ADHD is also associated with a disadvantaged social and economic background.
Dr Ginny Russell, who led the study, said: "There is a genetic element to ADHD, but this study provides strong evidence that ADHD is also associated with a disadvantaged social and economic background.
"Some people believe that ADHD in children causes disadvantage to the economic situation of their family, but we found no evidence to support that theory. It's important to discover more about the causes of this disorder so that we can look towards prevention, and so that we can target treatment and support effectively."
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Belinda Phipps represented parents in House of Commons
Follow this link to watch a video of Belinda Phipps (NCT's CEO) representing parents to the House of Commons Public Account Committee session on maternity services in England: BBC Democracy Live
Friday, November 15, 2013
Traditional Breadwinner Families Now Largest Group In Poverty
According to figures from NatCen for Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), among the 1.3 million families with children living in poverty:
Another report by IPPR points out the number of single breadwinner couple families has been falling in recent decades, largely the result of social change, with more women wanting to work - but in some cases women need or want to work to make ends meet for their family. The report highlights the need to support more dual earning couples and to enable lone parents to work, or to work more hours, in order to reduce poverty.
Katie Schmuecker, Policy and Research Manager at JRF, said: “The traditional family model where one parent – usually dad – goes out to work and supports his family does not offer a guaranteed route out of poverty in Britain today. Our low pay jobs market means many families that are reliant on a single breadwinner find it hard to make ends meet.
traditional-breadwinner-families-now-largest-group-in-poverty Joseph Rowntree Foundation 13 November 2013
- 31% (400,000 families) are couple families with a single breadwinner;
- 16% (210,000 families) are dual earning couples;
- 8% (105,000 families) are working lone parents;
- The remaining families are either workless single parents or workless couples.
Another report by IPPR points out the number of single breadwinner couple families has been falling in recent decades, largely the result of social change, with more women wanting to work - but in some cases women need or want to work to make ends meet for their family. The report highlights the need to support more dual earning couples and to enable lone parents to work, or to work more hours, in order to reduce poverty.
Katie Schmuecker, Policy and Research Manager at JRF, said: “The traditional family model where one parent – usually dad – goes out to work and supports his family does not offer a guaranteed route out of poverty in Britain today. Our low pay jobs market means many families that are reliant on a single breadwinner find it hard to make ends meet.
traditional-breadwinner-families-now-largest-group-in-poverty Joseph Rowntree Foundation 13 November 2013
Midwifery workloads well above recommended levels
Health organisations recommend that each midwife should handle no more than 28 births a year in order to help ensure safe high-quality care for women. However, in 2012 only the north-east reached that level, with a rate of 28.1 births per full-time equivalent midwife. Maternity units in the NHS South Central region are furthest away from meeting that target, with each midwife handling 40 births last year. But the south-east (36.2 births each) and east of England (35.8) were also nowhere near the figure.
The amount of money going to maternity units in five of the NHS's 10 English regions of the country fell by up to 15% in 2012-13 compared with the previous year. The East Midlands saw the biggest drop, 15% less in 2012-13 than 2011-12. London, North-East, South-West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions also saw lower spending.
The National Childbirth Trust, the baby and parenting charity, accused ministers of breaking pledges to improve maternity care. "It makes no sense that, while birth rates are rising, maternity services are being cut back", said Belinda Phipps, its chief executive. "It is shocking to find that just one English region is meeting recommended staffing levels for maternity care and particularly disappointing after the pledges made by the government to increase midwife numbers", she added.
maternity-care-funding-nhs-cuts The Guardian 13th November 2013
The amount of money going to maternity units in five of the NHS's 10 English regions of the country fell by up to 15% in 2012-13 compared with the previous year. The East Midlands saw the biggest drop, 15% less in 2012-13 than 2011-12. London, North-East, South-West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions also saw lower spending.
The National Childbirth Trust, the baby and parenting charity, accused ministers of breaking pledges to improve maternity care. "It makes no sense that, while birth rates are rising, maternity services are being cut back", said Belinda Phipps, its chief executive. "It is shocking to find that just one English region is meeting recommended staffing levels for maternity care and particularly disappointing after the pledges made by the government to increase midwife numbers", she added.
maternity-care-funding-nhs-cuts The Guardian 13th November 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Exercise in pregnancy boosts babies' brains
Babies' brains showed more mature patterns of activity, linked to better mental performance in later life, when their mothers took at least three 20-minute sessions of moderate exercise a week. The early stage findings are the first from a randomised controlled trial in humans to show that a pregnant mother's exercise routine could have such an impact on her baby's brain.
"We know exercise is good for all kinds of things in pregnancy. It makes mothers feel better, gives them more control over their weight gain, and also has an impact on their child's weight gain in life. We're saying here's an added bonus, that exercise gives your child a head-start in brain development," said Elise Labonte-LeMoyne at the University of Montreal.
Pregnant mothers who exercise boost babies' brains, claim researchers The Guardian 10/11/13
"We know exercise is good for all kinds of things in pregnancy. It makes mothers feel better, gives them more control over their weight gain, and also has an impact on their child's weight gain in life. We're saying here's an added bonus, that exercise gives your child a head-start in brain development," said Elise Labonte-LeMoyne at the University of Montreal.
Pregnant mothers who exercise boost babies' brains, claim researchers The Guardian 10/11/13
Friday, November 1, 2013
Pregnant women who snore give birth to smaller babies
Experts said snoring may be a sign of breathing problems which could deprive an unborn baby of oxygen. A new study led by Dr Louise O'Brien, from the University of Michigan's Sleep Disorders Centre found that pregnant women who snore are more likely to give birth to smaller babies. The study found that chronic snorers, who snored both before and during pregnancy, were two thirds more likely to have a baby whose weight was in the bottom 10%. They were also more than twice as likely to need an elective Caesarean delivery, or C-section, compared with non-snorers. Snoring is a key sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, which results in the airway becoming partially blocked, said the researchers, whose findings appear in the journal Sleep. Dr O'Brien added: "If we can identify risks during pregnancy that can be treated, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, we can reduce the incidence of small babies, C-sections and possibly NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) admission that not only improve long-term health benefits for newborns but also help keep costs down."
Pregnant women who snore give birth to smaller babies, study reveals The Mirror 31st October 2013
Pregnant women who snore give birth to smaller babies, study reveals The Mirror 31st October 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
What's On - Ely and Area Local Events: November 2013
Friday
1 November
Hallowe'en Half Term At Oliver
Cromwell's House, 10.00am-5.00pm
Pick up your spooky Hallowe'en Trail as you walk through this
atmospheric house and into the Haunted Bedroom if you dare! To complete your
visit, try your hand at creating your own ghost to add to our Ghosts of
Cromwell's House collection.
Wicken Fen: Pram Push,
10.15-11.30am
Step out with your babies and toddlers for a buggy-friendly countryside
walk. Explore the route around Wicken village and alongside the Lodes of Wicken
Fen with other parents, grandparents and children. NB We'll be going at adult
walking speed... so buggies or carriers are recommended for the smaller people.
Wimpole Estate:
Family Activity - Make a Bird Feeder, 2.00-4.00pm
Come and have a go at making a bird feeder.
Peckover House: Halloween Trail,
12.00noon-4.00pm
A Halloween Trail for children
Welney WWT: Half term family
fun, 10.00am-8.00pm
Enjoy the start of the winter wildlife spectacle as thousands of birds
migrate to the UK to stay at wetlands like WWT Welney. Have a go at the activity stations in the
pond room or try the discovery trail out on the reserve and don't forget the
swan feed at 3.30pm!
Cambridge Arts Theatre: James
and the Giant Peach, 2.00pm and 7.00pm
James lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting Aunts
in E
ngland. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other
children. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that
contains the strongest magic the world has ever known. When James accidentally
spills the bag near an old peach tree, the most incredible things start to
happen - and James embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with the most amazing
group of characters you could ever meet.
Museum of Cambridge Self-guided
trail: 'Make your Mark!'
As part of the Big Draw 2013, this fun self-guided activity trail
allows you to mix and match materials in each room to illustrate your very own
Museum story, leaving marks and messages for other visitors along the way.
Huntingdon Garden and Leisure:
Halloween Half Term Fun, 10.00am-12.00noon
FREE Make Your Own Bird Feeder
March Fireworks Display (March
Primary School), 5.30pm
The display is on Friday November 1 with the gates opening at 5.30pm.
Saturday
2 November
Ely Scout Hut: Baby Pumpkin
Party, 10.30-11.30 (birth-8 months) 12.00noon-1.00pm (9-15 months)
Prepare for a fantastically fun event to celebrate the sights and
sounds of Autumn with your little one aged 0-15 months. There will be lots of
treats (but no scary tricks).
Wilburton Firework Display, from
6.00pm
One of the best firework displays in the area, with fireworks set to music.
The event also includes BBQ, hot and cold drinks, bar, novelties, and fun fair.
Gates open 6:00pm, fire lit at 6:30pm, fireworks at 7:30pm.
Wicken Fen: Family Birdwatching
Walk, 2.00-4.00pm
A family walk to discover the birds of the Fen. Make a bird box
afterwards (small charge to cover materials). Booking essential.
Hallowe'en Half Term At Oliver
Cromwell's House, 10.00am-5.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Wimpole
Estate: Family Activity - Make a Bird Feeder, 2.00-4.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Peckover House: Halloween Trail,
12.00noon-4.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Lavenham by Lantern Light,
6.30-8.00pm
See the medieval village of Lavenham in a whole new light on our
Lantern Walk. The beautiful timber-framed buildings will come alive as you
listen to the history of this hidden gem. Lavenham is one of the best preserved
medieval villages in England. The rich cloth merchants who lived here were some
of the wealthiest in the country, leaving behind a unique legacy of buildings.
Jane Gosling
Welney WWT: Half term family
fun, 10.00am-8.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Cambridge Arts Theatre: James
and the Giant Peach, 10.30am and 2.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Fitzwilliam Museum: Family First
Saturdays, 2.00-4.00pm
On the first Saturday of each month visit our Fitz Family Welcome Point
(Courtyard Entrance) and collect drawing materials, activities and trails to
use throughout the Museum, exploring a variety of themes.
Cambridge Botanic Garden: Potty
about bulbs, 11.00am-3.00pm
Decorate a plant pot and plant it up with miniature bulbs to take home
as a present for someone this Christmas.
Museum of Cambridge Self-guided
trail: 'Make your Mark!'
For information, see 1 November
Sunday
3 November
Hallowe'en Half Term At Oliver
Cromwell's House, 10.00am-5.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Wimpole
Estate: Family Activity - Make a Bird Feeder, 2.00-4.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Peckover House: Halloween Trail,
12.00noon-4.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Welney WWT: Half term family
fun, 10.00am-8.00pm
For information, see 1 November
Cambridge Junction: Princess and
the Pea, 11.30am and 2.30pm
Once upon a stormy night, while the wind and the rain were howling
outside, the Royals were all tucked up warm in bed. Suddenly there came a knock
at the door and a very we
t, very untidy girl was brought inside...Become part
of this playful and comic story of a prince in search of a ‘real’ princess, a
clever queen, a girl who is not as she first appears, a tower of mattresses and
of course a tiny pea. This quirky and inventive adaptation of Hans Christian
Andersen’s bedtime tale is played out among sheets and blankets with puppets,
objects and dreamlike projections.
Museum of Cambridge Self-guided
trail: 'Make your Mark!'
For information, see 1 November
Museum of Cambridge: Family
Fridays, 10.30am-12.30pm
Every Friday in the Attic . Bring the young ones to explore our
wonderful collection of toys and games in the Museum Attic. Activities are perfect for Under 5s and their
carers.
Tuesday
5 November
Cambridge Fireworks Display,
6.00pm
This year's fireworks show will be held on Tuesday 5 November, starting
at 7.30pm at Midsummer Common. A bonfire will be lit immediately after the
fireworks display. The Thurston Fun Fair will be open from 6 to 10pm.
Saturday
9 November
Ely Fireworks Spectacular,
5.30pm
Ely XT celebrate their fireworks spectacular in Cherry Hill Park, Ely.
Ely's Fireworks Spectacular display illuminates the skies against the backdrop
of Ely Cathedral; this annual date has earned itself the reputation of being
the biggest event in Ely's community calendar, attracting thousands, and also
featuring side stalls and family attractions plus hot food and drink available.
No fireworks or sparklers allowed. Gates (both Barton Square CB7 4DG and Broad
Street CB7 4AH entrances) open at 5.30pm, bonfire is lit at 6.15pm and the
fireworks are set off at 6.45pm.
Huntingdon Garden & Leisure
: Santa’s Grotto Grand Opening, 11.00am
Come and experience the magic of Christmas and see Santa arrive with
his REAL Reindeer with this year’s badge winner. Children will have the
opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with the reindeer. The cast of
Ely's Pantomine "Jack & The Beanstalk" will be here to entertain
you along with Terry James. IT MAY EVEN SNOW!!!! Santa arrives at 11am. Grotto
opens at 12noon.
Cottenham Village College:
Family Learning Day, 10.30am
Activities to include: Raptor Foundation, Screen printing bags, Healthy
eating, Applique owl, Tile art, Children’s drama, Cafe. FREE.
Sunday
10 November
Ely Cinema: Project Wild Thing
(PG), 3.00pm
Documentarian David Bond feared that his children spent too much time
glued to their screens and almost none in the great outdoors. In this
inspirational film, he launches an ingenious campaign to “get queues outside
woods instead of Apple stores”.
Cambridge Junction: The Boy Who
Cried Wolf, 11.30am and 2.30pm
Winter is coming, the trees are bare, the birds fly south, and the
sheep are flocking, seeking shelter from the wind. As the falling snow flurries to the ground
wolf footprints can be seen padded into the hard ground.......But standing on
the hill top a boy is watching his sheep. He is bored, seeking adventure, and
looking for the next best thing! A boy tasked to keep his community safe but
with a vivid imagination. A boy who makes up stories and craves the thrill of
the unknown A boy who, unthinkingly, unknowingly............. Cried WOLF! A
beautiful new wintery tale about a boy, unable to find delight in what is
around him and instead seeks adventure, excitement and the thrill of the
unknown! Inspired by the famous Aesop
fable this wonderful play has a gifted ensemble of actor musicians who play the
delightful characters, funny sheep and perhaps a scary wolf or two......
Ely Library: Sunday Craft Club,
12.00noon-4.00pm
Come along to Ely library between 12 and 4 on alternate Sunday
afternoons and make themed junk crafts to join our display (and something to
take home too). Have fun finding out what you can make with your rubbish. This
is a FREE activity for children of any age but bring along an adult to help.
Thursday
14 November
Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups... Frosty
Fun, 10.15-11.45am
Seasonal fun, craft and adventure for under 5s. Booking essential.
Friday
15 November
Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift
& Food Fair 2013, 9.30am-4.30pm and late night shopping 6.30-8.30pm
Ely Cathedral will be opening its doors for another exceptional
Christmas-shopping experience at this unique event. Whether you’re looking for
a special gift, accessories or decorations to complete your festive ensemble,
you’ll be spoilt for choice. Beautiful and affordable items you’ll rarely find
on the high street – Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair is the ideal
event for your seasonal shopping. Throughout the two day Fair there will be
seasonal floral presentations by the Cathedral Flower Guild and cookery
demonstrations from celebrity chefs.
Museum of Cambridge: Family
Fridays, 10.30am-12.30pm
For information, see 8 November
Saturday
16 November
Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift
& Food Fair 2013, 9.30am-4.30pm
For information, see 15 November
Wimpole Estate: Christmas Craft
Fair, 10.30am-5.00pm
Wimpole's festive season starts up with our fantastic Christmas Craft
Fair. Find unique and unusual presents from over fifty craft stalls, visit our
Stable Block shops and enjoy mulled wine and tasty mince pies.
Mumford Theatre: Faerie Stories,
2.30pm
A man and a Goblin (both bookworms) meet in a library. In their hunger
for stories together they weave three enchanted tales from a string of dusty
books. Whatever may come of it? Fusing S
cottish Gaelic culture with puppetry,
music and physical theatre, this wonderful show transports audiences into the magic
and mystery of ancient faerie worlds.
Sunday
17 November
Wimpole Estate: Christmas Craft
Fair, 10.30am-5.00pm
For information, see 16 November
Cambridge Junction: Yummm!
11.30pm (0-4 year olds) and 2.30pm (4+ year olds)
A dance theatre show that celebrates all that is messy at meal times! Yummm!
is a celebration of food seen through children’s eyes using dance, live music,
quirky design & some amusing eating utensils. A highly imaginative
production where tables can dance; plates spin; and the audience have a chance
to contribute to the dinner time rituals! Seating the audience around the
dinner table, this performance
is a celebration of food and eating
together. An energetic and fun dance
show where the utensils of dinner are interwoven into beautifully choreographed
and quirky meal time rituals. Performances are followed by a short play
activity for audiences, where the children get their own utensils to play with!
Friday
22 November
Museum of Cambridge: Family
Fridays, 10.30am-12.30pm
For information, see 8 November
Saturday
23 November
Lavenham by Lantern Light,
6.30-8.00pm
See the medieval village of Lavenham in a whole new light on our
Lantern Walk. The beautiful timber-framed buildings will come alive as you
listen to the history of this hidden gem. Lavenham is one of the best preserved
medieval villages in England. The rich cloth merchants who lived here were some
of the wealthiest in the country, leaving behind a unique legacy of buildings.
Jane Gosling, the Guildhall's Manager, will escort you round to look at the
village by lantern light, telling the stories of Lavenham through time. We end
the evening with hot drinks and home-made cakes in the Guildhall. Booking
essential.
Sunday
24 November
Grafton Kids’ Club,
11.00am-4.00pm
All craft activities are FREE for members of The Grafton Kids' Club –
and there is no fee to join. If you would like your child to join The Grafton
Kid's Club come along to one of our events, they're on the last Sunday of every
month. As a member you will receive a membership card and a free gift every time
you attend. Join Gordon The Grafton Gorilla and his gang on the last Sunday of
every month, where he will be hosting a 'get-together' between 11am and 4pm.
This month: Christmas Decoration and Card. Make a choice of three Christmas
decorations.
Ely Library: Sunday Craft Club,
12.00noon-4.00pm
For information, see 10 November
The EACH March Santa Run (Oliver
Cromwell Hotel, March), from 11.00am
Come along to the second March Santa Run, in aid of East Anglia's
Childrens Hospices (EACH)! A santa fun run which is suitable for all ages and
all levels of fitness and is pushchair an
d wheelchair friendly. Approximately 2.5km - slightly longer than last year! Registration from 11.00am, fun run starts at 12.00 midday. The event also coincides with the Oliver Cromwell Hotel Christmas Fair which is taking place at the hotel on same day. The fair includes over 20 stalls of Christmas cards and gifts, plus a raffle and delicious hog roast.
d wheelchair friendly. Approximately 2.5km - slightly longer than last year! Registration from 11.00am, fun run starts at 12.00 midday. The event also coincides with the Oliver Cromwell Hotel Christmas Fair which is taking place at the hotel on same day. The fair includes over 20 stalls of Christmas cards and gifts, plus a raffle and delicious hog roast.
Thursday
28 November
ADC Theatre: The Princess and
the Pea, 2.30pm
Welcome to Lindingo! Land of polite Vikings, small vegetables and
gooseberry soufflé. Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s timeless tale, The
Princess and the Pea tells the story of the plucky young orphan Lenor. Destined
to live her life cleaning socks and pants in the Castle’s Laundr-O-Mat, a
chance encounter with a gawky, crossword-obsessed Prince propels her into an
adventure of love, revolution and corrosive cleaning products. Will the Vikings
invade? Who will face the evil queen? And will the population forever be forced
to eat disgusting gooseberry soufflé? Find out who triumphs and who falls in
the perfectly ap-pea-ling Pantomime. This year’s ADC/Footlights Pantomime
brings together comedy, music and drama for a night of cockle-warming, rib-tickling,
souffle-rising Christmas fun.
Friday
29 November
Anglesey Abbey: Winter Lights,
entry every 15 minutes from 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Enjoy an enthralling family adventure as Anglesey Abbey's gardens are
transformed into a light-fantastic wonderland. For three weekends, the Winter Lights
event will see the Winter Garden and Riverside paths of these famous gardens
illuminated at night - highlighting the natural beauty, shape and texture of
the trees and shrubs in a unique, colourful way. Music will drift through the
trees, whilst entertainers will enthral visitors young and old alike. Booking
essential.
Museum of Cambridge: Family
Fridays, 10.30am-12.30pm
For information, see 8 November
Saturday
30 November
Anglesey Abbey: Winter Lights,
entry every 15 minutes from 5.30pm - 7.30pm
For information, see 29 November
Church Farm: Father Christmas is
here! (Santa's Grotto), 10.00am-5.00pm
Visit Father Christmas in his beautifully decorated woodland retreat,
receive a present & enjoy some Christmas activities. There is no need to
book, as we operate a *no queuing* system at Church Farm, just see the elf and
she will give you a time to return if we are busy.
Huntingdon Garden and Leisure:
Breakfast with Santa, 9.00-9.45am
Bring your children or grandchildren for an unforgettable Christmas
experience. Children will get to talk to Santa and let him know what they would
like for Christmas while enjoying breakfast in our popular Terrace Café. 9am –
9.45am. £6.99 per child, ages 3 and over only. Tickets must be booked in
advance.
Chatteris Christmas Lights,
4.30pm
Switch-on night has become one of the main events of the year for
Chatteris. Each year the Town Centre is packed as traders entertained their
customers with seasonal cheer and street entertainment and fairground rides
keep the crowds happy, especially the children. A number of community
organisations have stalls and refreshments as part of the event each year including a Christmas Tree Festival in the Parish Church, a 'Soup Kitchen' at the Emmanuel Church and a chance to meet Santa at the Old Bakery. Chatteris Christmas Lights Switch on at 4.30pm on 30th November in Market Hill. Fun fair, community stalls and food.
Swaddling babies incorrectly can cause them hip problems, doctors warn
Parents have been turning to the old-fashioned practice in order to settle their babies and help them sleep better. Swaddling, which involves wrapping the baby in sheets or blankets with their legs out straight and arms pinned so that they cannot move, has been shown to induce sleep and soothe excessive crying and colic. But, say doctors who specialise in orthopaedics, evidence shows that the practice increases the risk of developmental hip abnormalities. Professor Nicholas Clarke of Southampton University hospital writes in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood that one in five babies are born with a hip abnormality, perhaps because of a breech birth or family history. Although these can resolve unaided, swaddling can delay it.
Clarke says that parents should be advised on "safe swaddling" if their babies are at risk of hip development problems. "In order to allow for healthy hip development, legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips. This position allows for natural development of the hip joints. The babies' legs should not be tightly wrapped in extension and pressed together."
Swaddling can cause hip problems The Guardian 28 October 2013
Clarke says that parents should be advised on "safe swaddling" if their babies are at risk of hip development problems. "In order to allow for healthy hip development, legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips. This position allows for natural development of the hip joints. The babies' legs should not be tightly wrapped in extension and pressed together."
Swaddling can cause hip problems The Guardian 28 October 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Branch Events November 2013
Bumps, Babies and Beyond
Friday 1st 10.00 - 11.30am
Methodist Church HallChapel Street
Ely
(Map)
FREE ENTRY including refreshments and home-made cakes (though a donation is very gratefully received!)
SPECIAL GUEST: Every month we will have a special guest coming who provides a child related service or activity in the area coming in. This month we are thrilled to welcome Natasha Biggs Photography. Natasha will be offering two types of mini photo shoot. Either pay £20 upfront (and we ask that you have the correct money on the day), get an online gallery of your pictures and receive digital copies of your favourite two photos, with the option to pay a further £20 once you've seen the images to get a CD of all 10-20 photos from your shoot. That's a bargain at £40 for digital copies of 20 photos! Or you can have a free shoot and then order prints, starting at £5.99, from Natasha from a selection of 5 photos from your shoot. There will also be the option to buy these five images on CD for £30. We expect this to be a very popular event and slots are limited so we will be operating a first-come-first-served policy with a sign-up sheet on the morning. If we have more people then Natasha can fit in, there will also be a reserve sign-up sheet and those who missed out this time can put their names down on that list and will then be given priority when Natasha visits again in the new year. Any questions, please do ask on the wall below.
The usual toys and craft activities will be available for babies and toddlers. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding welcome. Parking available in St Mary's Street car park. Entrance to the church hall is through the blue gate at the back of the car park.
Open Houses
Everyone is welcome to come along to any of these for a play, a cuppa and a chat.
Monday 4th 9.30-11.00
At Mags' house in Ely
Tuesday 12th 13.30-15.00
At Emma's house in ElyFriday 15th 14.00-15.30
At Nancy's house in Aldreth
Tuesday 19th 13.00-14.30
At Maxine's house in Soham
Thursday 28th 09.30-11.00
At Sian's house in Soham
Thursday 28th 09.30-11.00
At Sian's house in Soham
For more info about open house locations see our facebook page or join our facebook group. Alternatively call 0844 2436175 or email ely_nct@yahoo.co.uk.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
A 'His and Hers' Birth Story!
by anon
HERS!
This was my 2nd pregnancy after a 4 ½ year gap.
We had a nucal scan (to test for Down's Syndrome) as I am getting old!!! The results weren’t as good as we would have hoped. Then, at our 20 week scan they detected unilateral talipes (club foot), which was a
shock as it hadn’t been picked up at our soft and hard marker scan. Another two scans later and yes it was definitely there. Oh, and our baby was in the
footling breech position (something I could confirm with all the kicks in the
bottom!).
As I grew very big our baby stayed in a footling breech position
and I was confident 'it' would turn, and everyone told me 'it' would turn……
We saw the consultant at 35 weeks and discussed having a
c-section due the baby’s positioning, but decided to try to turn the baby first
and this was duly booked for the following Thursday (when I would be 36 weeks).
I had already decided I didn’t want to book in for a c-section. I wanted an 'in
labour' c-section owing to the benefits, for me and the baby, of labour
starting naturally.
On the Saturday that I was 35 weeks & 2 days, my brother
came to visit from London and we enjoyed lunch in the garden. At 5 o’clock I
started to get my daughter ready for her dance show. I didn’t feel my best after the reiki session
my dear brother had performed in the hope of turning the baby. I packed my
labour bag and put it in the car…….
During the dance show the tightening across my tummy was
coming every 8 mins. We decided it was time to go to the hospital and see what
was happening. I collected my daughter and asked my mum to take her home with her.
We were in the car park swapping car seats when my waters
broke. It was 9.35pm. The pain became very intense which was quite a shock
after what seemed like just a level of discomfort. We headed for the hospital
and I remember being upset at the thought of a c-section.
It felt like a long walk to the labour ward, but within a
minute of being there it was time to push and I was moved to a labour suite.
One very bruised foot appeared within seconds and four pushes later came the
rest of our baby (I had no time for screaming as the midwife firmly told me!).
My baby daughter was born at 9.52pm weighing 6lb 10ozs. She needed
some help breathing and was transferred to the Special Care Baby Unit. We took
her home 12 days later, which felt wonderful. There was no sign of the talipes
which was brilliant news. It was apparently down to how her feet had been
positioned. After a lot of worry and late night chats ( much to my husband's annoyance) about talipes, breech
deliveries and c- sections, our breech
baby had led the way and showed us all how it should be done!
Big sister still loves to tell the tale of how my 'fluid' came out at her dance show and that she won the 'bet' as she said the baby
would be a girl!
HIS!
“I think we’d better go to hospital just in case” she said.
Sploosh……..her waters broke in the theatre car park.
“Don’t drive over any bumps” she demanded. Yeah, right like
that’s going to happen I thought (keep mouth shut, it avoids argument).
No camera (my fault of course). Have we got time to divert?
Play it safe. Get to the hospital first and then see if I have time to get it.
Gosh, that parking space at the hospital was a bit tight,
wasn’t it?
Buzz. “Let us in, please”.
“Who are you? Have you phoned us to inform us you are
coming?”
“No, too busy trying to avoid potholes to
ring in.”
Bags in the shopping trolley, off we go.
“Knickers off”.
“It’s coming”.
My wife is on a bed and being wheeled to a delivery room. What
do I do? Just don’t let go of that trolley, she’ll kill me if I lose her Radley
handbag.
One, two, three, four (could’ve been more) people around
my wife – that wasn’t on the ante-natal class – should be just me and a midwife.
Oh well. I’ll just stand back and let them get on with it. I’ve got a good view
after all.
“Aaaaghhh!”
“We’ll have no screaming in my delivery room, thank you”. (Good move to stand in the corner I’m thinking).
A foot, I can see a foot. There’s a leg. There’s a baby and
it’s a girl.
And that’s brief rundown of the best moment of my life to
date.
Thank you so much.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The development of laughter - New Research
The Baby Laughter Project, which has surveyed parents from more than 20 countries, has shown that games like peek-a-boo are perfect for showing one such fundamental development - object permanence.
The person who most greatly influenced our current view of childhood development was Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. In the earliest months of life, Piaget said that babies are only able to learn about the world by directly interacting with it through grasping, shaking and sucking. With each experience, he concluded, children gradually build up a picture of how the world works - a kind of naïve physics.
Dr Addyman has collected nearly 700 questionnaires about baby smiles and laughter from around the world. "Laughter and smiles start incredibly early, just like tears," says Dr Caspar Addyman, a baby laughter researcher at Birkbeck College in London. Dr Addyman thinks that studying babies' laughter can be just as effective at helping us pinpoint developments in the way their minds are expanding. "You can't laugh at something until you get the joke, so what they laugh at really tells us about their understanding of the world," says Addyman.
Peek-a-boo: A window on baby's brain By Anna Lacey BBC Health Check 19 October 2013
The person who most greatly influenced our current view of childhood development was Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. In the earliest months of life, Piaget said that babies are only able to learn about the world by directly interacting with it through grasping, shaking and sucking. With each experience, he concluded, children gradually build up a picture of how the world works - a kind of naïve physics.
Dr Addyman has collected nearly 700 questionnaires about baby smiles and laughter from around the world. "Laughter and smiles start incredibly early, just like tears," says Dr Caspar Addyman, a baby laughter researcher at Birkbeck College in London. Dr Addyman thinks that studying babies' laughter can be just as effective at helping us pinpoint developments in the way their minds are expanding. "You can't laugh at something until you get the joke, so what they laugh at really tells us about their understanding of the world," says Addyman.
Peek-a-boo: A window on baby's brain By Anna Lacey BBC Health Check 19 October 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Buggy Reviews
by Hannah Lazarus
LOOKING FOR A LOW COST BUGGY?
Check out Ely NCT's Nearly New Sale on Saturday 19th October, 10.30am-12.30pm, Ely College
Buying a buggy was undoubtedly the most daunting bit of baby shopping for me. There is so much choice and they can cost an absolute fortune. So how do you go about choosing one?
Stupidly, I did zero research on buggies before heading to a
big baby store to buy one. I remember standing in front of a huge row of
buggies feeling totally overwhelmed! The only requirement for me was that it
folded small to fit in the boot of my Ford Ka – and luckily that really
narrowed the choice!
It was just down the shop assistant then to do her sales
pitch, do a test run on a few round the shop, and part with a stack load of
cash – feeling relieved to have got it over and done with, whilst wondering if
I’d rushed into it and spent my money wisely!
Feeling a bit more experienced now, I thought it would be
useful to put an article together to help parents-to-be think about what they
want from a buggy and to make this shopping experience a bit less of a
minefield!
Pram/Pushchair/Travel
System?
So, what do I mean by the term ‘buggy’? Well, this can
encompass a whole range of different types of ‘things on wheels’ to get your
baby/child from A to B! It must’ve been a lot easier in the ‘good old days’
when the beautiful-but-bulky upright prams were the only option! Now you can find two-in-one systems (a pram
which converts into a pushchair), three-in-one systems (a pram/pushchair with a
detachable carrycot) or a complete travel system (as above, but which also
connects to your baby’s car seat).
Already mind-boggled? Here are a few of the things you might
want to consider when buggy shopping.
Size
This was my top requirement. I had a very small car, so
needed something that folded up small. Size may also be a consideration if you
travel a lot and need to fold down for bus, train or plane journeys, or if you're short of storage space at home.
Moving a sleeping
baby
At some point, you will probably be pushing around a
sleeping baby and not want to disturb them when you get in/out of the car or
get back home. This is where detachable car seats and carrycots come into their
own. With a detachable car seat, you can take a sleeping baby in or out of the car without
worrying about waking them up. The same with a carrycot if baby falls asleep
when out for a walk and you don’t want to wheel a dirty pram into the house!
Front/rear facing
Some buggies enable you to have your baby facing you or
facing forwards when in pushchair mode. I think it’s really nice to have babies
and small children facing you so you can see each other and have a chat/give
them a drink or snack/check that they’re comfortable!
Weight
This is important if you travel around a lot, especially on
public transport. You will need something that’s lightweight and easy to
manoeuvre.
Durability
Prams and pushchairs need to be extremely sturdy to
withstand all the bashing about they get – in and out of vehicles, up and down
the curbs, etc. It’s definitely worth taking them for a test drive to check
they feel sturdy, are easy to move, and have simple, user-friendly mechanisms.
If you’re planning on having more than one child, could it withstand a few
years of use?
Storage
If you want to use your buggy when you’re out shopping, you’ll
need somewhere to put your bags. Most buggies come with a storage basket
underneath – you will just need to check the size!
Terrain
Where you will take your buggy will be an important
consideration in choosing the right one for you. As above, a lightweight buggy
will be suitable if you’ll be taking it around town, in and out of shops, or on
public transport. If you will be doing a lot of walking off-road in the countryside,
an all-terrain buggy, which is designed for use on rough ground, may be more
apt. The downside to these is that they are large and more cumbersome than other
versions.
Of course these are just a few considerations. When it comes
to buying a new pram/pushchair, doing some research and getting recommendations
from others are key. So, as a start, we’ve asked people for reviews of their
buggies. These barely scratch the surface of the buggy market but should give
you an idea of what features other people have found useful.
Mothercare Spin
(Hannah)
Connects to car seat, folds small, back and forward facing, light, easy
to steer
Since buying this buggy, it’s been discontinued, but I think
Mothercare have brought out a newer, updated model – and the pros and cons
could give you a good idea of things to look for in a buggy.
As above, the reason I went for this buggy is that it folds
up small. The pram top is collapsible and the back wheels can be removed, so it
can fit in very small cars! The downside to having a collapsible pram top is
that you can’t use it as a carrycot.
The buggy itself isn’t a travel system – just a pram that
converts to a pushchair. But you could buy adapters to fit a Maxi-Cosi car seat
on. I wouldn’t have been without this! It was so convenient when we were out
and about and meant I didn’t have to disturb my sleeping baby. And I used the
car seat on the base as a pushchair for quite a while as the pushchair itself
was too big.
The reason this model is called a ‘Spin’ is that you can use
the pushchair with baby/child facing you or facing forwards. It is really quick and easy
to spin round, and the whole thing is really light and easy to steer.
Other good points were removable covers that you can wash,
the cosy toes and raincover, and adjustable handle height.
There are a few downsides to this buggy. One was that the
folding mechanism broke – so I was left in a car park wondering how I was going
to get it in the car! The company was very good, though, and gave us a
replacement while it was being fixed – but not what you expect from something
that was only a few months old! The foot brake is also a bit sticky and the
storage basket is small. I’ve also not used the buggy in pushchair mode much. I
also have a stroller, which is much more convenient to travel with and lighter
to move, so I tend to use this – unless it’s really cold.
I Candy Cherry
(Nancy)
Back and forward facing, easy to move, big shopping basket
I got this for Juno so it’s almost four years old now and
still going strong for Cadel. I found
that the baby cot part of it I used until they were around 4-5 months old, by
then they wanted to be more upright and be able to see more. Not sure it would have been worth the money
for just one child, but has definitely had its money worth for two. The pushchair part of it is fine for Caddy
and will probably last at least another 6-9 months, until he is around 2 and a
half but he is quite small. I love the
fact it can be back as well as forward facing as I like chatting away to them
while walking. It has great
manoeuvrability, and fits in shops etc fine.
The shopping basket bit is nice and big too.
Disadvantages – its quite bulky, but still fits in the boot
of our fiesta, just! We travel to
Ireland by plane a lot and it’s a bit of a pain for that. As it comes in two parts you have to get both
labelled up, and then dismantling it at the steps of the plane isn’t as
straightforward as if you had a folding one.
But then you wouldn’t get the benefits of it being suitable for newborns
as well as toddlers so a small price to play.
Overall, when I first
bought it I was horrified at the cost (think its was around £550 including all
accessories), but by the time we get rid of it, it will be almost 5 years old,
I think its been excellent value for money.
Bugaboo Chameleon
(Tiff)
Easy to move, sturdy wheels, all terrain, big shopping basket,
overnight sleeping
I have a Bugaboo Chameleon - we had a choice of two as my
husband is so tall and it was lighter than the Apple iCandy. It's not the
cheapest of prams or the smallest (it took up most of the boot in my Saab when
in carrycot mode!) but I am so pleased with my choice and still use it loads
over 2yrs later (have just got the buggyboard and Twoo seat ready for when #2
arrives in Jan). This pram is easy to steer (even one-handed) and doesn't get
punctures like other prams. It takes a bit of practice to put it up and down
(my mum still doesn't get it) but you have to learn with any pram. You can swap
which wheels are at the front by clicking the handle over the top of the frame
so good for bumpier terrain too and you can also do this to go into snow mode.
Ample basket space underneath for shopping and the carrycot is approved for
baby to sleep in overnight as a travel cot. The raincover needs a good stretch
to make it fit and once in pushchair mode it is never completely flat but I
never got a smaller buggy (like many mums)as I love it so much.
Silver Cross Pop (Maxine)
Easy to fold up and down, light, easy to steer and carry, reclines
We first bought the Silver Cross Pop stroller 3 years ago
just before my eldest’s first birthday. We had just bought a new car which had
a smaller boot, so needed a pushchair that would fit into it easily. Having
spent some time trying out different models, we choose the Silver Cross Pop.
The features that we liked were: liked the ease of putting it up and down (can
be done one-handed using a strap attached to the back of the stroller) and
light-weight and easy to manoeuvre and carry – there’s a shoulder-strap if you
need to carry it and have your hands free. Also, the seat reclines to almost
flat and has a reasonably-sized storage area underneath. Whilst not the
cheapest stroller, we felt it was best value for money and you can find offers
if you shop around. The Silver Cross Pop is suitable from birth and we put our
son in it when he was around 4 weeks old. The fact that it is light-weight
proved a bonus with 2 children as I was able to push it with one hand whilst
holding my toddler’s hand.The following reviews are all by Rebecca, who has worked her way through quite a few buggies in the past couple of years!
Petite star Zia-
Front facing pushchair
Pros
+ Very easy to push and collapse
+ Comes in different colours
Cons
- However but I found the seating position too reclined even
at its highest setting
- Very small basket
Petite star Bubble -
reversible facing pushchair
Pros
+ Very easy to push and collapse
+ Unique reversible seat means you can change direction in
seconds
+ Foot rest can be ‘down’ or ‘up’
Cons
- Basket hard to reach
- Looks a little odd compared to other pushchairs because of
the seating position options
Bebe Confort Loola -
reversible facing pushchair
Pros
+ Lovely seating position for baby, very upright
+ Large flat shopping basket
Cons
- Extremely heavy and cumbersome to push
- Quite faffy to change from one direction to another
Hauck Malibu travel
system
Pros
+ Car seat and carry cot very light and easy to place in and
out of frame
+ Easy to push and collapse
+ Very competitive price
Cons
- Car seat started to get unsuitable for baby before the age
recommendation (i.e. the heavier she became the more the seat tilted forward
until eventually it seemed unsafe)
- The pushchair part seemed much flimsier than the seat and
the carry cot and the buttons attaching it to the frame unclipped a few times!!
Quinny Speedi travel
system (all terrain 3 wheeler)
Pros
+ Carry cot easy to attach to frame
+ Very light and easy to steer
+ Excellent over rough ground
Cons
- Even though light, quite bulky to get in and out of car
- In pushchair mode, recline too far back even at highest
setting
Microlight fast fold
pushchair (all terrain)
Pros
+ Looks quite nifty
+ Nice upright position
+ Very easy to push and fold
+ Very compact
Cons
- Basket almost inaccessible due to frame
- Not suitable for all rough terrain
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