Issue 1 Winter 2011 - The Portland Hospital

winter 2011 | launch issue
Living with Allergies
Do 3D scans put parents
in the picture?
Eating with the kids
Take a family winter
holiday
Vaccinating your child
Fashion
Great ideas for maternity wear, party dresses and children.
03
18
features
regulars
04LIVING WITH ALLERGIES
Common allergies
03NEWS
10DO 3D SCANS PUT PARENTS
IN THE PICTURE?
See your baby smile
14FASHION
13BEAUTY
17Eating out with the kids
18NURTURE
10 BEST
20TAKE A FAMILY WINTER HOLIDAY
Relax with the family
25 Me and my
pregnancy
22 VACCINATING YOUR CHILD
26Parent Friends
28A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
A portland midwife
29ACTIVITIES
34Solving women’s health problems
35How Children’s doc
around the clock
saved baby Aiden
22
30INTERIORS
33PARENT TALK
36 Toys & Books
36 15
Chloe metallic bustier
dress pg15
New Kid on the Block tin
of personalised biscuits pg18
Holographic Sticker
Scratcherz pg36
| winter 2011
1
03
18
features
regulars
04LIVING WITH ALLERGIES
Common allergies
03NEWS
10DO 3D SCANS PUT PARENTS
IN THE PICTURE?
See your baby smile
14FASHION
13BEAUTY
17Eating out with the kids
18NURTURE
10 BEST
20TAKE A FAMILY WINTER HOLIDAY
Relax with the family
25 Me and my
pregnancy
22 VACCINATING YOUR CHILD
26Parent Friends
28A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
A portland midwife
29ACTIVITIES
34Solving women’s health problems
35How Children’s doc
around the clock
saved baby Aiden
22
30INTERIORS
33PARENT TALK
36 Toys & Books
36 15
Chloe metallic bustier
dress pg15
New Kid on the Block tin
of personalised biscuits pg18
Holographic Sticker
Scratcherz pg36
| winter 2011
1
Dangers of antibiotics
welcome to nurture
W
elcome to the first edition of Nurture, the Portland Hospital’s new
baby and parenting magazine.
Among the features in this edition, we investigate the current allergy ‘epidemic’ affecting
many young children in Britain, find out whether 3D antenatal scans are really worth their
money, ask doctors to talk us through the controversial issue of childhood vaccinations
and explain why parent friends are so essential.
In addition, there are the latest winter fashion must-haves for children, women
and expectant mothers, and lots of gorgeous ideas for gifts for new parents and
children’s bedrooms.
As a mother of two young children myself, I know how challenging being a parent can
be. Just having the time to find the latest places to go, shops to visit and advice, can
sometimes seem an almost impossible task.
Our aim is to offer interesting, practical and helpful information to couples expecting a
baby and those with young children – everything from the best child-friendly restaurants
to dine in, solutions to common medical complaints and fun days out with the children,
to where to holiday so that all the family can relax.
REGULAR prescribing of
antibiotics to children may be
fuelling the rise in superbugs,
allergies, diabetes and obesity,
according to experts.
“Antibiotics kill the bacteria we do
want, as well as those we don’t,” Dr
Blaser, chairman of the Department of
Medicine at New York University, wrote
in the journal Nature earlier this year.
The average UK child has taken ten
courses of antibiotics by the age of 16,
according to NHS statistics, mostly in
early childhood.
“These long-term changes to the
beneficial bacteria within people’s
bodies may even increase our
susceptibility to infections and disease.
But while antibiotics have helped us
to live longer, they are also killing off
bacteria which fight disease.
“Overuse of antibiotics could be fuelling
the dramatic increase in conditions such
as obesity, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory
bowel disease, allergies and asthma,
which have more than doubled in
many populations.”
According to US microbiologist Martin
Blaser, ‘good bacteria’ never fully recover
from a course of antibiotics.
This exclusive magazine guides you through the latest hot topics associated with bringing
up children and reflects the exceptional care afforded to parents and children at The
Portland Hospital.
A NEW study has revealed that
it’s not just women who get broody.
Research, carried out over 10 years at
Kansas State University, has found that
men as well as women suffer from ‘baby
fever’ – the overwhelming emotional
and physical desire to have children.
Gary Brase, associate professor of
psychology who carried out the research,
Men get broody too
says: “Baby fever is this idea put out in
popular media that at some point in their
lives, people get this sudden change in
their desire to have children.
“While it is often portrayed in women,
we noticed it in men too.”
Researchers found that holding and
cuddling a baby could trigger a ‘baby
fever’ episode.
Eczema risk for children
BREASTFEEDING babies may
not protect them against eczema in
later childhood, a study suggests.
Scientists found babies who
were exclusively breastfed for
four months or longer were just
as likely to develop eczema as those
weaned earlier.
Enjoy the first edition of Nurture, let us know what you think and we look forward to you
receiving your next copy of the magazine.
The UK and other European countries
recommend prolonged breastfeeding
as a means of reducing the risk of
childhood eczema.
Publishing Director Janene Madden
[email protected]
Editor Rachel Ellis
[email protected]
Contributors Sophie Goodchild,
Julia Lawrence, Lucy Elkins,
Tamara Abrahams and Elizabeth Jeffries
Art Director Parul Babbar
[email protected]
Editor Rachel Ellis
Advertising and production
Sam Mitchell-Innes
[email protected]
Published by
The Portland Hospital
for Women and Children
205-209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH United Kingdom
Tel: 020 7580 4400
Email: [email protected]
www.theportlandhospital.com
Design and Production
Phoebus Associates
Images: Imagethirst, Veer and Corbis.
This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without the prior consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been
made to ensure accuracy of the content at the time of publication, the publishers shall not be held responsible in any way for any inaccuracies or
omissions. © 2011 HCA International Limited. All Rights Reserved. Nurture™ is a trademark owned by HCA International Limited.
2
winter 2011 |
News
But this latest study of data from
more than 50,000 children, published
in the British Journal of Dermatology,
found that there is only a ‘small
protective effect’ against severe
asthma among babies breastfed for
less than four months in developed
countries.
However, breast milk still offers lots
of other health benefits to babies,
say researchers.
Importance of first 1,000 days of life
THE first 1,000 days of a child’s
life determines their long-term health,
according to studies.
A growing body of research suggests
that what happens in the nine months in
the womb and the first two years after
birth is absolutely key to future health.
This period can permanently affect
everything from a child’s chances of
developing diabetes or having a heart
attack in old age, to their future weight
and life expectancy.
The theory has been developed after
decades of research by Professor David
Barker and colleagues at Southampton
University.
Avoiding alcohol in the first three
months of pregnancy, neither the
mother or father smoking during
pregnancy, getting down to an ideal
weight before conception, taking folic
acid, avoiding stress and eating well
but not too many sugary foods are all
important, researchers found.
| winter 2011
3
Dangers of antibiotics
welcome to nurture
W
elcome to the first edition of Nurture, the Portland Hospital’s new
baby and parenting magazine.
Among the features in this edition, we investigate the current allergy ‘epidemic’ affecting
many young children in Britain, find out whether 3D antenatal scans are really worth their
money, ask doctors to talk us through the controversial issue of childhood vaccinations
and explain why parent friends are so essential.
In addition, there are the latest winter fashion must-haves for children, women
and expectant mothers, and lots of gorgeous ideas for gifts for new parents and
children’s bedrooms.
As a mother of two young children myself, I know how challenging being a parent can
be. Just having the time to find the latest places to go, shops to visit and advice, can
sometimes seem an almost impossible task.
Our aim is to offer interesting, practical and helpful information to couples expecting a
baby and those with young children – everything from the best child-friendly restaurants
to dine in, solutions to common medical complaints and fun days out with the children,
to where to holiday so that all the family can relax.
REGULAR prescribing of
antibiotics to children may be
fuelling the rise in superbugs,
allergies, diabetes and obesity,
according to experts.
“Antibiotics kill the bacteria we do
want, as well as those we don’t,” Dr
Blaser, chairman of the Department of
Medicine at New York University, wrote
in the journal Nature earlier this year.
The average UK child has taken ten
courses of antibiotics by the age of 16,
according to NHS statistics, mostly in
early childhood.
“These long-term changes to the
beneficial bacteria within people’s
bodies may even increase our
susceptibility to infections and disease.
But while antibiotics have helped us
to live longer, they are also killing off
bacteria which fight disease.
“Overuse of antibiotics could be fuelling
the dramatic increase in conditions such
as obesity, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory
bowel disease, allergies and asthma,
which have more than doubled in
many populations.”
According to US microbiologist Martin
Blaser, ‘good bacteria’ never fully recover
from a course of antibiotics.
This exclusive magazine guides you through the latest hot topics associated with bringing
up children and reflects the exceptional care afforded to parents and children at The
Portland Hospital.
A NEW study has revealed that
it’s not just women who get broody.
Research, carried out over 10 years at
Kansas State University, has found that
men as well as women suffer from ‘baby
fever’ – the overwhelming emotional
and physical desire to have children.
Gary Brase, associate professor of
psychology who carried out the research,
Men get broody too
says: “Baby fever is this idea put out in
popular media that at some point in their
lives, people get this sudden change in
their desire to have children.
“While it is often portrayed in women,
we noticed it in men too.”
Researchers found that holding and
cuddling a baby could trigger a ‘baby
fever’ episode.
Eczema risk for children
BREASTFEEDING babies may
not protect them against eczema in
later childhood, a study suggests.
Scientists found babies who
were exclusively breastfed for
four months or longer were just
as likely to develop eczema as those
weaned earlier.
Enjoy the first edition of Nurture, let us know what you think and we look forward to you
receiving your next copy of the magazine.
The UK and other European countries
recommend prolonged breastfeeding
as a means of reducing the risk of
childhood eczema.
Publishing Director Janene Madden
[email protected]
Editor Rachel Ellis
[email protected]
Contributors Sophie Goodchild,
Julia Lawrence, Lucy Elkins,
Tamara Abrahams and Elizabeth Jeffries
Art Director Parul Babbar
[email protected]
Editor Rachel Ellis
Advertising and production
Sam Mitchell-Innes
[email protected]
Published by
The Portland Hospital
for Women and Children
205-209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH United Kingdom
Tel: 020 7580 4400
Email: [email protected]
www.theportlandhospital.com
Design and Production
Phoebus Associates
Images: Imagethirst, Veer and Corbis.
This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without the prior consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been
made to ensure accuracy of the content at the time of publication, the publishers shall not be held responsible in any way for any inaccuracies or
omissions. © 2011 HCA International Limited. All Rights Reserved. Nurture™ is a trademark owned by HCA International Limited.
2
winter 2011 |
News
But this latest study of data from
more than 50,000 children, published
in the British Journal of Dermatology,
found that there is only a ‘small
protective effect’ against severe
asthma among babies breastfed for
less than four months in developed
countries.
However, breast milk still offers lots
of other health benefits to babies,
say researchers.
Importance of first 1,000 days of life
THE first 1,000 days of a child’s
life determines their long-term health,
according to studies.
A growing body of research suggests
that what happens in the nine months in
the womb and the first two years after
birth is absolutely key to future health.
This period can permanently affect
everything from a child’s chances of
developing diabetes or having a heart
attack in old age, to their future weight
and life expectancy.
The theory has been developed after
decades of research by Professor David
Barker and colleagues at Southampton
University.
Avoiding alcohol in the first three
months of pregnancy, neither the
mother or father smoking during
pregnancy, getting down to an ideal
weight before conception, taking folic
acid, avoiding stress and eating well
but not too many sugary foods are all
important, researchers found.
| winter 2011
3
Health
Current research suggests that infants should sleep with the
family cat and be fed peanut butter from birth, as high-dose
allergen exposure early in life appears to switch off allergies
in infants under one year of age,” says Dr Adrian Morris.
living
with
allergies
By Sophie Goodchild
DEALING with runny noses,
coughs and rashes is an everyday
reality for parents, especially those
with children under 10.
For some though, there is more
behind these common childhood
complaints than just a virus. Your
child could be suffering from an
undiagnosed allergy. According to
the charity Allergy UK, an estimated
45 per cent of children and babies
now has an allergy – and the rate
is increasing.
Dust mites and cats – or ‘inhalant’
allergies – are the most common
triggers in small children, and,
as they get older, this can lead
to pollen allergies.
4
winter 2011 |
Babies start with eczema and then
progress to asthma and finally hay
fever and rhinitis. While there is some
evidence that the upwards surge in
eczema and asthma cases is levelling
off, Asthma UK says this country still
has one of the highest rates of
asthma in the world.
Food allergies to cow’s milk, egg
white and wheat are also regularly
diagnosed in infants and toddlers.
Dr George Du Toit, a consultant
in children’s allergies at The Portland
Hospital, says most young children
outgrow allergies by the age of three.
However, the concern is that doctors
are seeing more children suffering
from multiple food allergies.
Peanut allergy is on the rise with one in
every 70 children in the UK now affected.
Tree nuts, particularly cashew, can also
trigger a reaction as well as sesame,
particularly in concentrated forms such
as hummus and tahini.
“It’s now rare that a child is allergic
to just one food,” says Dr Du Toit.
“So where a single food allergy is
established one should always look
for additional food allergies such
as kiwi, fruit, fish, shellfish and soy.”
While the exact cause of this allergy
‘epidemic’ is unclear, major studies are
being carried out in the UK to answer
this question.
Health
Some experts blame sedentary life-styles,
where children spend their time indoors
playing computer games and TV.
A key warning sign, says Dr Du Toit,
is if a child has a severe reaction soon
after eating certain foods.
of specific antibodies in the blood
and is accurate for children aged 4
months upward.
The US Environmental Protection
Agency recently suggested that indoor
air quality – which can contain millions
of pollutants such as dust and chemical
cleaners – may have a more damaging
effect on health than outside air.
Poor ventilation is also to blame,
especially double glazing which ‘traps’
pollutants and air conditioning which
pushes dirt and chemicals into the air
inside our homes.
Cold symptoms which don’t go away
when an infant is exposed to dust or
pets are another sign. Your genes also
play a part – if you suffer from hay fever
then your children are at a higher risk of
developing allergies.
The positive news is that many children
do eventually grow out of their allergies,
especially food-related ones. Eczema
and asthma also tend to improve as the
child gets older.
Other experts, including Dr Adrian
Morris from the Surrey Allergy Clinic
in London’s Harley Street, favour the
‘hygiene hypothesis’; that children are
over-protected from dirt and bugs in
early infancy so there is no bacteria for
the immune system to attack, so instead
it switches to being hyper-vigilant
against allergies.
“Current research suggests that infants
should sleep with the family cat and
be fed peanut butter from birth, as
high-dose allergen exposure early in life
appears to switch off allergies in infants
under one year of age,” says Dr Morris.
“Once allergies become established
in toddlers, then this ‘switching off’
will no longer occur.”
Modern diets of ‘exotic’ foods including
nuts and fruits – which are relatively
new to the Western diet – are to blame
for triggering allergies in older children,
believes Dr Morris.
For example, kiwi fruit and lychees
contain a potent allergy-triggering
protein called profilin.
Although harmless, profilin can
produce a severe allergic reaction
in some children. “I‘m amazed at
the number of children fed avocado,
hummus and Nutella, while parents
withhold pasta and dairy products for
fear of provoking allergies,” says
Dr Morris. Establishing if a child really
does have an allergy – or is just a cranky
eater – can be a challenge.
However, some children only display
mild allergy symptoms which can
make diagnosis difficult, says Dr Du Toit.
“With respect to food allergies, if the
reaction is severe such as wheezing,
coughing, swelling, vomiting or gut
pain soon after ingesting a food then it’s
usually obvious, unless the allergen is
hidden in a processed food,” he says.
“It’s harder to diagnose a food allergy
if the symptoms are mild.” For example,
when a baby is being weaned from
breast to cow’s milk, they can develop
an allergy to the cow’s milk which
initially they tolerate.
Symptoms may simply be a change
in sleeping patterns at night, colic,
back arching and signs of pain, which
could be attributed to other things.
Peanut allergy is on
the rise with one in
every 70 children in
the UK now affected.
“In these situations, it may take
some skill to diagnose an allergy,”
adds Dr Du Toit.
Before doctors can diagnose an allergy,
they have to find out what is causing it.
A competent GP or allergy clinic can do
this using a skin prick test, where a few
drops of allergen are gently ‘pricked’
into the surface of the forearm with
a small needle.
If a child is allergic, the skin will
swell over the next 15 to 20
minutes. A blood test – called the
Radioallergosorbent (RAST) test – is
another method. This measures levels
“Inhalant allergies tend to persist, but
about half of all eczema and asthma will
settle in puberty,” says Dr Morris.
WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
One in four of us will develop
an allergy at some point in our
lives. From dust to tree pollen,
everyday substances can trigger
an ‘abnormal’ reaction in
some people. Their bodies go
into overdrive by producing too
much of a special antibody called
Immunoglobulin.
This triggers other blood cells
to release chemicals including
histamine and the result is an
allergic reaction.
For more information
on allergy trials visit
www.leapstudy.co.uk
www.eatstudy.co.uk
www.allergyuk.org
www.asthma.org.uk
| winter 2011
5
Health
Current research suggests that infants should sleep with the
family cat and be fed peanut butter from birth, as high-dose
allergen exposure early in life appears to switch off allergies
in infants under one year of age,” says Dr Adrian Morris.
living
with
allergies
By Sophie Goodchild
DEALING with runny noses,
coughs and rashes is an everyday
reality for parents, especially those
with children under 10.
For some though, there is more
behind these common childhood
complaints than just a virus. Your
child could be suffering from an
undiagnosed allergy. According to
the charity Allergy UK, an estimated
45 per cent of children and babies
now has an allergy – and the rate
is increasing.
Dust mites and cats – or ‘inhalant’
allergies – are the most common
triggers in small children, and,
as they get older, this can lead
to pollen allergies.
4
winter 2011 |
Babies start with eczema and then
progress to asthma and finally hay
fever and rhinitis. While there is some
evidence that the upwards surge in
eczema and asthma cases is levelling
off, Asthma UK says this country still
has one of the highest rates of
asthma in the world.
Food allergies to cow’s milk, egg
white and wheat are also regularly
diagnosed in infants and toddlers.
Dr George Du Toit, a consultant
in children’s allergies at The Portland
Hospital, says most young children
outgrow allergies by the age of three.
However, the concern is that doctors
are seeing more children suffering
from multiple food allergies.
Peanut allergy is on the rise with one in
every 70 children in the UK now affected.
Tree nuts, particularly cashew, can also
trigger a reaction as well as sesame,
particularly in concentrated forms such
as hummus and tahini.
“It’s now rare that a child is allergic
to just one food,” says Dr Du Toit.
“So where a single food allergy is
established one should always look
for additional food allergies such
as kiwi, fruit, fish, shellfish and soy.”
While the exact cause of this allergy
‘epidemic’ is unclear, major studies are
being carried out in the UK to answer
this question.
Health
Some experts blame sedentary life-styles,
where children spend their time indoors
playing computer games and TV.
A key warning sign, says Dr Du Toit,
is if a child has a severe reaction soon
after eating certain foods.
of specific antibodies in the blood
and is accurate for children aged 4
months upward.
The US Environmental Protection
Agency recently suggested that indoor
air quality – which can contain millions
of pollutants such as dust and chemical
cleaners – may have a more damaging
effect on health than outside air.
Poor ventilation is also to blame,
especially double glazing which ‘traps’
pollutants and air conditioning which
pushes dirt and chemicals into the air
inside our homes.
Cold symptoms which don’t go away
when an infant is exposed to dust or
pets are another sign. Your genes also
play a part – if you suffer from hay fever
then your children are at a higher risk of
developing allergies.
The positive news is that many children
do eventually grow out of their allergies,
especially food-related ones. Eczema
and asthma also tend to improve as the
child gets older.
Other experts, including Dr Adrian
Morris from the Surrey Allergy Clinic
in London’s Harley Street, favour the
‘hygiene hypothesis’; that children are
over-protected from dirt and bugs in
early infancy so there is no bacteria for
the immune system to attack, so instead
it switches to being hyper-vigilant
against allergies.
“Current research suggests that infants
should sleep with the family cat and
be fed peanut butter from birth, as
high-dose allergen exposure early in life
appears to switch off allergies in infants
under one year of age,” says Dr Morris.
“Once allergies become established
in toddlers, then this ‘switching off’
will no longer occur.”
Modern diets of ‘exotic’ foods including
nuts and fruits – which are relatively
new to the Western diet – are to blame
for triggering allergies in older children,
believes Dr Morris.
For example, kiwi fruit and lychees
contain a potent allergy-triggering
protein called profilin.
Although harmless, profilin can
produce a severe allergic reaction
in some children. “I‘m amazed at
the number of children fed avocado,
hummus and Nutella, while parents
withhold pasta and dairy products for
fear of provoking allergies,” says
Dr Morris. Establishing if a child really
does have an allergy – or is just a cranky
eater – can be a challenge.
However, some children only display
mild allergy symptoms which can
make diagnosis difficult, says Dr Du Toit.
“With respect to food allergies, if the
reaction is severe such as wheezing,
coughing, swelling, vomiting or gut
pain soon after ingesting a food then it’s
usually obvious, unless the allergen is
hidden in a processed food,” he says.
“It’s harder to diagnose a food allergy
if the symptoms are mild.” For example,
when a baby is being weaned from
breast to cow’s milk, they can develop
an allergy to the cow’s milk which
initially they tolerate.
Symptoms may simply be a change
in sleeping patterns at night, colic,
back arching and signs of pain, which
could be attributed to other things.
Peanut allergy is on
the rise with one in
every 70 children in
the UK now affected.
“In these situations, it may take
some skill to diagnose an allergy,”
adds Dr Du Toit.
Before doctors can diagnose an allergy,
they have to find out what is causing it.
A competent GP or allergy clinic can do
this using a skin prick test, where a few
drops of allergen are gently ‘pricked’
into the surface of the forearm with
a small needle.
If a child is allergic, the skin will
swell over the next 15 to 20
minutes. A blood test – called the
Radioallergosorbent (RAST) test – is
another method. This measures levels
“Inhalant allergies tend to persist, but
about half of all eczema and asthma will
settle in puberty,” says Dr Morris.
WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
One in four of us will develop
an allergy at some point in our
lives. From dust to tree pollen,
everyday substances can trigger
an ‘abnormal’ reaction in
some people. Their bodies go
into overdrive by producing too
much of a special antibody called
Immunoglobulin.
This triggers other blood cells
to release chemicals including
histamine and the result is an
allergic reaction.
For more information
on allergy trials visit
www.leapstudy.co.uk
www.eatstudy.co.uk
www.allergyuk.org
www.asthma.org.uk
| winter 2011
5
Fashion
Fashion
Charcoal luxe drape cardigan
£115, Isabella Oliver, 0844 844 0448
www.isabellaoliver.com
Belted coat
£115, Seraphine,
0844 287 0001
www.seraphine.com
Plum Claudia cardigan
£119, 020 7100 1110
www.babeswithbabies.com
Keep your cool
Grey cable knit dress
£49, Seraphine, 0844 287 0001
www.seraphine.com
Protect your bump from
the winter chill with
vintage-inspired coats and
the cosiest woollen knits.
Vintage fur cape (fur is not real)
£250, 9 London by Emily Evans,
020 7730 1318 www.9london.com
Blue drape front jumper dress
£85, Crave Maternity, 0844 381 4998
www.cravematernity.co.uk
6
winter 2011 |
| winter 2011
7
Fashion
Fashion
Charcoal luxe drape cardigan
£115, Isabella Oliver, 0844 844 0448
www.isabellaoliver.com
Belted coat
£115, Seraphine,
0844 287 0001
www.seraphine.com
Plum Claudia cardigan
£119, 020 7100 1110
www.babeswithbabies.com
Keep your cool
Grey cable knit dress
£49, Seraphine, 0844 287 0001
www.seraphine.com
Protect your bump from
the winter chill with
vintage-inspired coats and
the cosiest woollen knits.
Vintage fur cape (fur is not real)
£250, 9 London by Emily Evans,
020 7730 1318 www.9london.com
Blue drape front jumper dress
£85, Crave Maternity, 0844 381 4998
www.cravematernity.co.uk
6
winter 2011 |
| winter 2011
7
Fashion
Spirithoods leopard hat with paws
£80, Selfridges, 0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
Animal Twist T-shirt
£12, Mini Boden,
0845 677 5000
www.boden.co.uk
Oh my!
Reindeer cardigan
£8, Gant, 020 7201 2942
www.gantuk.com
Elephant scarf
£18, and mittens, £15,
both Cath Kidston, 08450 262 440
www.cathkidston.co.uk
Organic cotton Tootie T-shirt, £29,
Quilted patch Percy trousers, £59,
Freckles fisherman’s hat, £18,
Marshall hiking boots, £70,
all Stella McCartney Kids
www.stellamccartneykids.co.uk
Edit
o
Pick rs
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk 0871 423 5656
Quote NUT12 at website checkout when ordering
Or visit one of our London stores: Battersea, Blackheath, Chelsea Green, Chiswick,
Crouch End, Dulwich, Muswell Hill, Putney, Temple Fortune and Notting Hill.
Magazine Aug.indd
8 Nuture
winter
2011 |
lions
and
tigers and bears,
Fashion
1
24/08/2011 16:59
Ki
frog rdorable
ain bo
o
ts
Kidorable frog rain boots
£14.95, 0845 459 9230
www.welliesandworms.co.uk
| winter 2011
9
Fashion
Spirithoods leopard hat with paws
£80, Selfridges, 0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
Animal Twist T-shirt
£12, Mini Boden,
0845 677 5000
www.boden.co.uk
Oh my!
Reindeer cardigan
£8, Gant, 020 7201 2942
www.gantuk.com
Elephant scarf
£18, and mittens, £15,
both Cath Kidston, 08450 262 440
www.cathkidston.co.uk
Organic cotton Tootie T-shirt, £29,
Quilted patch Percy trousers, £59,
Freckles fisherman’s hat, £18,
Marshall hiking boots, £70,
all Stella McCartney Kids
www.stellamccartneykids.co.uk
Edit
o
Pick rs
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk 0871 423 5656
Quote NUT12 at website checkout when ordering
Or visit one of our London stores: Battersea, Blackheath, Chelsea Green, Chiswick,
Crouch End, Dulwich, Muswell Hill, Putney, Temple Fortune and Notting Hill.
Magazine Aug.indd
8 Nuture
winter
2011 |
lions
and
tigers and bears,
Fashion
1
24/08/2011 16:59
Ki
frog rdorable
ain bo
o
ts
Kidorable frog rain boots
£14.95, 0845 459 9230
www.welliesandworms.co.uk
| winter 2011
9
3D scans
3D scans
dO 3D SCANS
PUT PARENTS IN
THE PICTURE?
By Sophie Goodchild
The benefit of 3D for doctors is that they can
get a better understanding of defects in the
heart, face or limbs of a developing foetus.
seeing your baby smile for the
first time is a milestone for any parent.
Now, with the help of modern scanning
technology, it is possible to watch an infant’s
facial expressions before it is even born.
For a few hundred pounds, clinics can carry
out 3D ante-natal scans during pregnancy,
or even 4D – which is simply 3D in motion.
Some even put the images to music so you
can download them on your iPod. But are
they worth the money and can they tell you
anything more than routine 2D scans?
Conventional ultrasound captures the width
and height of a foetus and this determines
a mother’s due date as well as some
chromosomal disorders.
Three or four dimensional ultrasound takes
2D scans and converts them into a ‘life-like’
image of the unborn child, showing its
surface volume.
The benefit of 3D for doctors is that they can
get a better understanding of defects in the
heart, face or limbs of a developing foetus.
It can also be useful for preparing parents-tobe mentally for the reality of an infant with
cleft palate or harelip, for example.
8
12
16
20
Around six months into pregnancy –
26 weeks – is a good place to be.
What is happening at
26 weeks pregnancy
(around six months)
The early nausea and tiredness of
pregnancy have worn off, the 21 week
scan to check everything is in the right
place has been done, and you may even
know the sex of your child.
All the baby’s organs have formed and
he or she even has tiny finger nails!
It is only the lungs, which are still not
fully formed at this point, that still
need to mature.
10
winter 2011 |
Professor Eric Jauniaux, fetal medicine
director at the Portland Hospital, says:
“Parents will go on the Internet and
find the most extreme pictures. With
this (3D) you can reassure them that
it’s only a small defect which can be
operated on after birth.
“But it (3D imaging) won’t give you
an instantly beautiful picture. If they
(the baby) push their nose up against
the uterus then that doesn’t look
good. It’s certainly not a gimmick but
you have to acquire the pictures in
the first place.”
“It also helps fathers bond. They say
‘the baby looks like me.’’
Dean Meredith, Ultrasonagrapher
Manager at the Portland, has been
taking scans for 20 years and agrees
there is no guarantee that your
developing baby will do a ‘thumbs up’
just because you want him (or her) to.
If your baby is healthy and you just
want a sneak preview of junior, then
the best 3D ultrasound images are
obtained between 22 and 28 weeks
of pregnancy, according to Darryl
Maxwell, a consultant at the London
Ultrasound Clinic and senior clinician
at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS trust
in London.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
and you need co-operation from the
baby,” he explains.
“If your only criteria is to have the scan
and see the baby, then most people
can do that as long as they have
an appropriate machine.
“Larger babies can restrict the view
and you’re never going to get a good
picture if the baby is in the wrong
position,” he says.
“I’ve got pictures where babies have
yawned, smiled or even put two fingers
up. But that doesn’t always happen –
you should focus on the experience,
not just the picture.
“Some people think the pictures are
great, yet we get others who actually
find them quite scary – they’re not
to everyone’s taste.”
How does ultrasound work?
A woman usually receives an
ultrasound when she first attends the
antenatal clinic, then again at between
18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
This is to check the baby’s growth
and key organs in the body such
as the heart and kidneys.
Ultrasound pictures are formed using
sound waves with a frequency above
the audible range of human hearing.
A machine sends these waves through
the body and they are then reflected
back and converted into an image
that is visible on a screen.
24
Babies usually weigh around 2lbs (1kg)
and are gaining weight fast – they need
to at least treble their body weight in
the next three months.
What’s more the baby has reached
viability, which means he or she has
a good chance of normal survival
even if born now.
It won’t be long until the last few
weeks of the pregnancy when you
will feel heavy and tired, so make
the most of it!
They are also quite hairy, covered in a
thin layer of fluff, which usually reduces
as the pregnancy progresses.
Pregnant women should be feeling
quite fit and strong at this stage so
it is a good time to get some exercise
and start cutting out some of the
carbohydrates that have snuck into
your diet, so that you stay in shape
as the pregnancy progresses.
Mr Christian Barnick
Consultant Obstetrician
and Gynaecologist
www.OBGYNMatters.co.uk
By now, the baby’s movements in the
womb are normally strong enough
for the mother to feel, which is both
reassuring and amazing.
| winter 2011
11
3D scans
3D scans
dO 3D SCANS
PUT PARENTS IN
THE PICTURE?
By Sophie Goodchild
The benefit of 3D for doctors is that they can
get a better understanding of defects in the
heart, face or limbs of a developing foetus.
seeing your baby smile for the
first time is a milestone for any parent.
Now, with the help of modern scanning
technology, it is possible to watch an infant’s
facial expressions before it is even born.
For a few hundred pounds, clinics can carry
out 3D ante-natal scans during pregnancy,
or even 4D – which is simply 3D in motion.
Some even put the images to music so you
can download them on your iPod. But are
they worth the money and can they tell you
anything more than routine 2D scans?
Conventional ultrasound captures the width
and height of a foetus and this determines
a mother’s due date as well as some
chromosomal disorders.
Three or four dimensional ultrasound takes
2D scans and converts them into a ‘life-like’
image of the unborn child, showing its
surface volume.
The benefit of 3D for doctors is that they can
get a better understanding of defects in the
heart, face or limbs of a developing foetus.
It can also be useful for preparing parents-tobe mentally for the reality of an infant with
cleft palate or harelip, for example.
8
12
16
20
Around six months into pregnancy –
26 weeks – is a good place to be.
What is happening at
26 weeks pregnancy
(around six months)
The early nausea and tiredness of
pregnancy have worn off, the 21 week
scan to check everything is in the right
place has been done, and you may even
know the sex of your child.
All the baby’s organs have formed and
he or she even has tiny finger nails!
It is only the lungs, which are still not
fully formed at this point, that still
need to mature.
10
winter 2011 |
Professor Eric Jauniaux, fetal medicine
director at the Portland Hospital, says:
“Parents will go on the Internet and
find the most extreme pictures. With
this (3D) you can reassure them that
it’s only a small defect which can be
operated on after birth.
“But it (3D imaging) won’t give you
an instantly beautiful picture. If they
(the baby) push their nose up against
the uterus then that doesn’t look
good. It’s certainly not a gimmick but
you have to acquire the pictures in
the first place.”
“It also helps fathers bond. They say
‘the baby looks like me.’’
Dean Meredith, Ultrasonagrapher
Manager at the Portland, has been
taking scans for 20 years and agrees
there is no guarantee that your
developing baby will do a ‘thumbs up’
just because you want him (or her) to.
If your baby is healthy and you just
want a sneak preview of junior, then
the best 3D ultrasound images are
obtained between 22 and 28 weeks
of pregnancy, according to Darryl
Maxwell, a consultant at the London
Ultrasound Clinic and senior clinician
at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS trust
in London.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
and you need co-operation from the
baby,” he explains.
“If your only criteria is to have the scan
and see the baby, then most people
can do that as long as they have
an appropriate machine.
“Larger babies can restrict the view
and you’re never going to get a good
picture if the baby is in the wrong
position,” he says.
“I’ve got pictures where babies have
yawned, smiled or even put two fingers
up. But that doesn’t always happen –
you should focus on the experience,
not just the picture.
“Some people think the pictures are
great, yet we get others who actually
find them quite scary – they’re not
to everyone’s taste.”
How does ultrasound work?
A woman usually receives an
ultrasound when she first attends the
antenatal clinic, then again at between
18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
This is to check the baby’s growth
and key organs in the body such
as the heart and kidneys.
Ultrasound pictures are formed using
sound waves with a frequency above
the audible range of human hearing.
A machine sends these waves through
the body and they are then reflected
back and converted into an image
that is visible on a screen.
24
Babies usually weigh around 2lbs (1kg)
and are gaining weight fast – they need
to at least treble their body weight in
the next three months.
What’s more the baby has reached
viability, which means he or she has
a good chance of normal survival
even if born now.
It won’t be long until the last few
weeks of the pregnancy when you
will feel heavy and tired, so make
the most of it!
They are also quite hairy, covered in a
thin layer of fluff, which usually reduces
as the pregnancy progresses.
Pregnant women should be feeling
quite fit and strong at this stage so
it is a good time to get some exercise
and start cutting out some of the
carbohydrates that have snuck into
your diet, so that you stay in shape
as the pregnancy progresses.
Mr Christian Barnick
Consultant Obstetrician
and Gynaecologist
www.OBGYNMatters.co.uk
By now, the baby’s movements in the
womb are normally strong enough
for the mother to feel, which is both
reassuring and amazing.
| winter 2011
11
Beauty
Beauty
Made in Italy Rome
eau de parfum
£80, Harvey Nichols,
0845 604 1888
www.harveynichols.com
Eve Lom TLC cream
£50, 020 8740 2076
www.evelom.com
Rouge Coco Shine
in Boy, £22.50, Chanel,
020 7493 3836
www.chanel.com
Laura Mercier limited-edition
kohl eye pencil set, £31,
020 8740 2085 www.spacenk.co.uk
Dior Silver Christmas
limited-edition nail polish
£17.50, exclusive to Selfridges,
0800 123 400 www.selfridges.com
Nars Hanamichi Kabuki-inspired
eyeshadow palette, £45, Selfridges,
0800 123 400 www.selfridges.com
12
winter 2011 |
| winter 2011
13
Beauty
Beauty
Made in Italy Rome
eau de parfum
£80, Harvey Nichols,
0845 604 1888
www.harveynichols.com
Eve Lom TLC cream
£50, 020 8740 2076
www.evelom.com
Rouge Coco Shine
in Boy, £22.50, Chanel,
020 7493 3836
www.chanel.com
Laura Mercier limited-edition
kohl eye pencil set, £31,
020 8740 2085 www.spacenk.co.uk
Dior Silver Christmas
limited-edition nail polish
£17.50, exclusive to Selfridges,
0800 123 400 www.selfridges.com
Nars Hanamichi Kabuki-inspired
eyeshadow palette, £45, Selfridges,
0800 123 400 www.selfridges.com
12
winter 2011 |
| winter 2011
13
Fashion
Fashion
Dazzling sequins and shimmering fabrics come into their
own in the winter months, and this season’s party dresses
don’t disappoint with plenty of high drama detail.
By Malene Birger
sequinned gown
£670, Selfridges,
0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
Diane von Furstenberg Chastity dress
£442, Matches, 0845 6025 612
www.matchesfashion.com
Edi
t
Pickors
Ca
De therin
ane
e
K
dre eshia
ss
Goat Lola sparkle crepe dress
£480, www.my-wardrobe.com
Navy sequin dress
£170, Pink Label London,
020 8438 2000
www.pinklabellondon.com
Disaya navy sequin dress
£600, Fifi Wilson, 020 7420 2121
www.fifiwilson.com
Sass & Bide strapless copper
jewel bustier dress, £780,
Harvey Nichols, 0845 604 1888
www.harveynichols.com
14
winter 2011 |
Catherine Deane Keshia dress
£1,645, www.my-wardrobe.com
See by Chloe metallic bustier dress
£310, Harvey Nichols,
0845 604 1888 www.harveynichols.com
| winter 2011
15
Fashion
Fashion
Dazzling sequins and shimmering fabrics come into their
own in the winter months, and this season’s party dresses
don’t disappoint with plenty of high drama detail.
By Malene Birger
sequinned gown
£670, Selfridges,
0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
Diane von Furstenberg Chastity dress
£442, Matches, 0845 6025 612
www.matchesfashion.com
Edi
t
Pickors
Ca
De therin
ane
e
K
dre eshia
ss
Goat Lola sparkle crepe dress
£480, www.my-wardrobe.com
Navy sequin dress
£170, Pink Label London,
020 8438 2000
www.pinklabellondon.com
Disaya navy sequin dress
£600, Fifi Wilson, 020 7420 2121
www.fifiwilson.com
Sass & Bide strapless copper
jewel bustier dress, £780,
Harvey Nichols, 0845 604 1888
www.harveynichols.com
14
winter 2011 |
Catherine Deane Keshia dress
£1,645, www.my-wardrobe.com
See by Chloe metallic bustier dress
£310, Harvey Nichols,
0845 604 1888 www.harveynichols.com
| winter 2011
15
Food & Drink
It is only when you have embarked on
your first foray into the world of baby
products that you suddenly become
aware of the overwhelming number of
choices confronting you.
In recent years, not only are there many
more products available for babies than
ever before, but, in every category there
are more options than ever before too.
It seems that every item, no matter how
small, has the power to perplex. Take
something as simple as a dummy – will
you opt for orthodontic or cherry teats,
latex or silicone? What about a simple
steriliser… will you pick a microwave,
steam, digital, or cold water model?
Then there’s the terminology… Do you
require an isofix ready car seat? Do you
want an umbrella folding pram or a
telescopic folding pram? Will you opt for
a front carrier, a wraparound or a sling?
So, far from being a simple, pleasurable,
“nothing to it” experience, shopping
for your baby has actually become quite
involved and rather than embarking
on it blindly, it is worth doing a bit of
advance research or seeking out some
expert advice.
Here are some ‘Top Tips’ to get you
started by Caroline Cosgrove, founder
of Baby Concierge, a bespoke shopping
service for expectant parents & co-author
of ‘What to Buy for your Baby’.
Top Tips for Baby Shopping:
Read up as much as you can about the
different baby products out there to form
opinions about the type of items that will
best suit your lifestyle. Baby magazines
often review the latest products on
the market and run consumer tests
comparing like for like products which
can be helpful. ‘What to Buy for your
Baby’ (complimentary copy available
for Portland clients at your booking in
appointment) is an independent guide to
baby shopping. This book will help you
get a good understanding of the options
out there and how to assess, what is
essential, what would be nice to have
and what would, more than likely, simply
gather dust.
Take advice from friends and
family but be prepared for conflicting
opinions and use them to help formulate
your own. The right choices for you will
depend on your lifestyle, your budget
and your vision of life with your new
baby and there is not a one size fits all
list of items. Surprising though it may
seem, this baby shopping business
can be quite controversial so don’t be
afraid to come to your own decisions
and don’t be put off if your best friend
doesn’t agree!
Draw up a list of essential items,
namely car seat, place for baby to sleep,
basic bedding, a means of transport
(usually a pushchair but could be a sling),
basic clothing – sleepsuits, baby vests,
baby hat and some nappies.
Don’t get in a panic – consider
that as long as you have the essential,
’must have’, items ready to go when
baby is born, you can always get any
extra, ‘nice to have’, items once baby
is here. It is easy to get swept up in
the mindset that everything has to
be purchased and in place for day
1 whereas in actual fact, it makes
more sense to leave some of the
choices until baby is here and you
have a better idea of what you do and
don’t need.
Don’t put it off for too long – if you
are wanting to have furniture in place
in time for baby’s arrival and do want
everything ‘just so’ consider that the
larger nursery items often have lead
times that can be as long as 6-8 weeks
or more in some cases so don’t leave
it too late.
a d ve r to r i a l
Help with your baby shopping
courtesy of The Portland
When you book in at The Portland, in
addition to your complimentary copy of
‘What to buy for your Baby’, you will also
receive a voucher for a free one on one
shopping consultation at Baby Concierge
in either our Ladbroke Grove or Islington
Showroom (usual cost £120).
The service consists of a consultation
in one of our private showrooms, to
discuss all your requirements and help
you narrow down your choices. The
items you are interested in are then
uploaded to a private page on the Baby
Concierge website for you to review
at home and to enable you to involve
others in the final decisions. Once the
decisions are made, Baby Concierge
source all the items and deliver to you.
Prices are the same as John Lewis and
there are no further fees, no matter how
much ongoing advice you may need
through weaning, child proofing, potty
training and subsequent children.
We have two showrooms within
10 minutes taxi journey from The
Portland at either Angel, Islington
or Ladbroke Grove.
Whether you go the baby shopping
service route or prefer to brave it on
your own, take advice wherever you
can so that you are empowered to make
informed decisions when shopping for
your baby so that your shopping trips are
fun and stress-free rather than perplexing
and exhausting!
Please call 020 8964 5500
or visit www.babyconcierge.co.uk
Eating
OUT
with Kids
The top 10 for toddlers
(based on a survey of 8,000 restaurant-goers
for baby food firm Plum and Harden’s)
Giraffe
www.giraffe.net
Pizza Express
www.pizzaexpress.com
Carluccio’s Café
www.carluccios.com
Wagamama
www.wagamama.com
Byron
www.byronhamburgers.com
Strada
www.strada.co.uk
Nando’s
www.nandos.co.uk
Jamie’s Italian
www.jamieoliver.com
Ask
www.ask.com
Café Rouge
www.caferouge.co.uk
Dining out with children is not
always the most carefree experience.
Simply finding somewhere welcoming
to eat can be a challenge. Indeed,
a third of parents have been barred
from entering a restaurant because
they have a young child with them,
according to a recent survey. So what
can you do to ensure that dining out
even with kids is still enjoyable? Lucy
Elkins explains.
The first time we took my then baby
son out to dinner, he manhandled
a sausage off my plate. In his chubby
fingers, it slipped like an eel and
I watched helplessly as it landed
in a fellow diner’s open handbag.
This underlined for me just how much
life – and dining out – had moved on.
Thankfully, in the six years since, eating
out with my son has become a more
enjoyable experience – but this involves
following some basic rules.
Also a toddler is unlikely to sit through
three courses and coffee without
squirming. So when your children
are very young, forgo the starter or
dessert in exchange for no post-dinner
whining. If you really want coffee order
it to come with dessert.
In terms of where to eat, fine dining
may have been your thing BC (before
child) but really you are better off
going somewhere child friendly, at
least until your child has had some
practice eating out. The staff will be
more adept at handling children and
there is likely to be something on the
menu that kids will actually eat.
Finally if your child does throw a
tantrum then take them outside.
This will help you and your child cope
with the situation more calmly and
also means you won’t risk the ire of
those diners who have not yet had the
joy of becoming parents themselves.
Firstly model your expectations. A meal
out might be a nice change but it won’t
be as leisurely as it once was. So don’t
keep sending the waiter away because
you can’t decide what to order. This is
not the time to be indecisive.
| winter 2011
17
Food & Drink
It is only when you have embarked on
your first foray into the world of baby
products that you suddenly become
aware of the overwhelming number of
choices confronting you.
In recent years, not only are there many
more products available for babies than
ever before, but, in every category there
are more options than ever before too.
It seems that every item, no matter how
small, has the power to perplex. Take
something as simple as a dummy – will
you opt for orthodontic or cherry teats,
latex or silicone? What about a simple
steriliser… will you pick a microwave,
steam, digital, or cold water model?
Then there’s the terminology… Do you
require an isofix ready car seat? Do you
want an umbrella folding pram or a
telescopic folding pram? Will you opt for
a front carrier, a wraparound or a sling?
So, far from being a simple, pleasurable,
“nothing to it” experience, shopping
for your baby has actually become quite
involved and rather than embarking
on it blindly, it is worth doing a bit of
advance research or seeking out some
expert advice.
Here are some ‘Top Tips’ to get you
started by Caroline Cosgrove, founder
of Baby Concierge, a bespoke shopping
service for expectant parents & co-author
of ‘What to Buy for your Baby’.
Top Tips for Baby Shopping:
Read up as much as you can about the
different baby products out there to form
opinions about the type of items that will
best suit your lifestyle. Baby magazines
often review the latest products on
the market and run consumer tests
comparing like for like products which
can be helpful. ‘What to Buy for your
Baby’ (complimentary copy available
for Portland clients at your booking in
appointment) is an independent guide to
baby shopping. This book will help you
get a good understanding of the options
out there and how to assess, what is
essential, what would be nice to have
and what would, more than likely, simply
gather dust.
Take advice from friends and
family but be prepared for conflicting
opinions and use them to help formulate
your own. The right choices for you will
depend on your lifestyle, your budget
and your vision of life with your new
baby and there is not a one size fits all
list of items. Surprising though it may
seem, this baby shopping business
can be quite controversial so don’t be
afraid to come to your own decisions
and don’t be put off if your best friend
doesn’t agree!
Draw up a list of essential items,
namely car seat, place for baby to sleep,
basic bedding, a means of transport
(usually a pushchair but could be a sling),
basic clothing – sleepsuits, baby vests,
baby hat and some nappies.
Don’t get in a panic – consider
that as long as you have the essential,
’must have’, items ready to go when
baby is born, you can always get any
extra, ‘nice to have’, items once baby
is here. It is easy to get swept up in
the mindset that everything has to
be purchased and in place for day
1 whereas in actual fact, it makes
more sense to leave some of the
choices until baby is here and you
have a better idea of what you do and
don’t need.
Don’t put it off for too long – if you
are wanting to have furniture in place
in time for baby’s arrival and do want
everything ‘just so’ consider that the
larger nursery items often have lead
times that can be as long as 6-8 weeks
or more in some cases so don’t leave
it too late.
a d ve r to r i a l
Help with your baby shopping
courtesy of The Portland
When you book in at The Portland, in
addition to your complimentary copy of
‘What to buy for your Baby’, you will also
receive a voucher for a free one on one
shopping consultation at Baby Concierge
in either our Ladbroke Grove or Islington
Showroom (usual cost £120).
The service consists of a consultation
in one of our private showrooms, to
discuss all your requirements and help
you narrow down your choices. The
items you are interested in are then
uploaded to a private page on the Baby
Concierge website for you to review
at home and to enable you to involve
others in the final decisions. Once the
decisions are made, Baby Concierge
source all the items and deliver to you.
Prices are the same as John Lewis and
there are no further fees, no matter how
much ongoing advice you may need
through weaning, child proofing, potty
training and subsequent children.
We have two showrooms within
10 minutes taxi journey from The
Portland at either Angel, Islington
or Ladbroke Grove.
Whether you go the baby shopping
service route or prefer to brave it on
your own, take advice wherever you
can so that you are empowered to make
informed decisions when shopping for
your baby so that your shopping trips are
fun and stress-free rather than perplexing
and exhausting!
Please call 020 8964 5500
or visit www.babyconcierge.co.uk
Eating
OUT
with Kids
The top 10 for toddlers
(based on a survey of 8,000 restaurant-goers
for baby food firm Plum and Harden’s)
Giraffe
www.giraffe.net
Pizza Express
www.pizzaexpress.com
Carluccio’s Café
www.carluccios.com
Wagamama
www.wagamama.com
Byron
www.byronhamburgers.com
Strada
www.strada.co.uk
Nando’s
www.nandos.co.uk
Jamie’s Italian
www.jamieoliver.com
Ask
www.ask.com
Café Rouge
www.caferouge.co.uk
Dining out with children is not
always the most carefree experience.
Simply finding somewhere welcoming
to eat can be a challenge. Indeed,
a third of parents have been barred
from entering a restaurant because
they have a young child with them,
according to a recent survey. So what
can you do to ensure that dining out
even with kids is still enjoyable? Lucy
Elkins explains.
The first time we took my then baby
son out to dinner, he manhandled
a sausage off my plate. In his chubby
fingers, it slipped like an eel and
I watched helplessly as it landed
in a fellow diner’s open handbag.
This underlined for me just how much
life – and dining out – had moved on.
Thankfully, in the six years since, eating
out with my son has become a more
enjoyable experience – but this involves
following some basic rules.
Also a toddler is unlikely to sit through
three courses and coffee without
squirming. So when your children
are very young, forgo the starter or
dessert in exchange for no post-dinner
whining. If you really want coffee order
it to come with dessert.
In terms of where to eat, fine dining
may have been your thing BC (before
child) but really you are better off
going somewhere child friendly, at
least until your child has had some
practice eating out. The staff will be
more adept at handling children and
there is likely to be something on the
menu that kids will actually eat.
Finally if your child does throw a
tantrum then take them outside.
This will help you and your child cope
with the situation more calmly and
also means you won’t risk the ire of
those diners who have not yet had the
joy of becoming parents themselves.
Firstly model your expectations. A meal
out might be a nice change but it won’t
be as leisurely as it once was. So don’t
keep sending the waiter away because
you can’t decide what to order. This is
not the time to be indecisive.
| winter 2011
17
Gifts
Indulge new mums and dads with luxurious treats
that will take them from the first few months of
parenthood and beyond.
1. Stripe hooded fleece coverall
£79, Ralph Lauren.
020 3450 7750
www.ralphlauren.co.uk
2. Baby hands and feet in solid sterling silver
from £1950, Wrightson & Platt,
020 7639 9085
www.wrightsonandplatt.com
1
3. New Kid on the Block tin
of personalised biscuits
from £37.50, Biscuiteers,
08704 588 358
www.biscuiteers.com
2
5
4
4. Anya Hindmarch Oakley
baby changing bag, £450,
Babes with Babies,
020 7100 1100
www.babeswithbabies.com
5. Pink Shetland check blanket
£62.85, Joanna Wood, 020 7730 5064
www.joannawood.co.uk
6. East of India baby booties knitting kit
£22.50, Oliver Bonas, 020 8974 0110
www.oliverbonas.com
3
7. Been Inside for 9 Months gift tin
£28, Oh Baby London, 020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
6
7
8. Intensive post-natal personal training
programme with Louise Parker, from £3,600,
Louise Parker Personal Training,
0800084 2828
www.louiseparkerpersonaltraining.com
8
9. Baby’s first year record book
£45, Smythson,
0845 873 2435
www.smythson.com
9
10
18
winter 2011 |
10. Bamford Complete Organic
Baby kit with baby bath, powder,
soap, cotton towel and cuddly bunny
£102.12, Quintessentially Gifts,
0845 224 2617
www.quintessentiallygifts.com
| winter 2011
19
Gifts
Indulge new mums and dads with luxurious treats
that will take them from the first few months of
parenthood and beyond.
1. Stripe hooded fleece coverall
£79, Ralph Lauren.
020 3450 7750
www.ralphlauren.co.uk
2. Baby hands and feet in solid sterling silver
from £1950, Wrightson & Platt,
020 7639 9085
www.wrightsonandplatt.com
1
3. New Kid on the Block tin
of personalised biscuits
from £37.50, Biscuiteers,
08704 588 358
www.biscuiteers.com
2
5
4
4. Anya Hindmarch Oakley
baby changing bag, £450,
Babes with Babies,
020 7100 1100
www.babeswithbabies.com
5. Pink Shetland check blanket
£62.85, Joanna Wood, 020 7730 5064
www.joannawood.co.uk
6. East of India baby booties knitting kit
£22.50, Oliver Bonas, 020 8974 0110
www.oliverbonas.com
3
7. Been Inside for 9 Months gift tin
£28, Oh Baby London, 020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
6
7
8. Intensive post-natal personal training
programme with Louise Parker, from £3,600,
Louise Parker Personal Training,
0800084 2828
www.louiseparkerpersonaltraining.com
8
9. Baby’s first year record book
£45, Smythson,
0845 873 2435
www.smythson.com
9
10
18
winter 2011 |
10. Bamford Complete Organic
Baby kit with baby bath, powder,
soap, cotton towel and cuddly bunny
£102.12, Quintessentially Gifts,
0845 224 2617
www.quintessentiallygifts.com
| winter 2011
19
Travel
When you are feeling exhausted
by the rigours of parenting, the idea
of holidaying with the kids may seem
a contradiction in terms. It is true
that when you have young children
holidays take on a different meaning.
However, with careful planning it is
possible to get away from it all and
relax as a family.
The secret is to choose a break with
something for everyone, according to
Annie Jones, managing director of the
website www.travellingwithchildren.
co.uk. “If you are travelling with
a baby, then travel for yourself as
babies don’t care where they stay so
long as they are with you,” she says.
“However, when travelling with older
children, then take into account the
likes and dislikes of every member of
the family – including your own – as
accommodating the taste of everyone
will make for the best possible trip.”
If you are stuck for ideas, then a travel
agent might be more helpful than
spending ages scouring the web.
“We can help advise what possibilities
there are for parents and may come
up with options that you just had not
considered,” says Bryony Hordern,
a travel agent (and mother of two)
at Tickets Anywhere in Thame,
Oxfordshire.
Travel
take
a Family
winter
holiday
By Lucy Elkins
A common mistake parents make
is to try to pack in too much.
“Even if you have the luxury of a
longer trip, don’t try to do and see
everything – that risks overload and
you are likely to find the children
harder to handle,” advises
Annie Jones.
“Allowing more time for them to
potter around on a river, beach,
collect stones, play hide and seek
in hollow trees or fish in rock pools
will let you relax too.”
Most keen skiers will want some time
away from the nursery slopes so you will
need to arrange some childcare. Book
ahead as crèche facilities fill up quickly.
20
winter 2011 |
“If you have a young baby, don’t venture
too high as babies can get grizzly
and fevery at altitude,” says Helen
Truszkowski, a family travel specialist
behind Cadogan Guides’ award winning
Take The Kids guidebook series.
For your sanity, choose a resort with a
short transfer time and hotel or chalet,
preferably within a walk of the slopes.
Catered chalets are a good option for
Luxury English
This is one of the few places assured
to provide winter sun and children get
a warm welcome across the Caribbean.
The main drawback is the flight which
takes around eight hours. However,
this is less than more far flung
destinations and the time difference
is only four hours behind GMT.
Spending a few days in the lap of
luxury is an appealing idea – but
choose with care.
Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua
all have direct flights whereas other
Caribbean destinations require another
connecting flight which, if you are
travelling with a family, may not
be ideal.
Accommodation varies from high
class villas to hotels. Many offer
inclusive deals, kids clubs and
babysitting facilities.
Skiing
Of all the family holiday options, this
one requires the most planning. First
of all decide what your priorities are.
Do you want to enjoy the thrill of the
black runs or do you want to take time
to mess around on the small slopes with
the children?
Caribbean
parents as you don’t need to worry
about cooking and can sit around and
relax in living accommodation after the
kids have gone to bed.
“Don’t think about teaching your
brood to ski yourself. Instead book
a kid-focused ski instructor,” adds
Helen. “They’re trained to teach them
the right core skills within a fun-filled
environment while stressing safety.”
Child friendly travel websites:
www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk
www.markwarner.co.uk
www.premiere-neige.com
www.babygoes2.com
www.takethefamily.com
www.mrandmrssmith.com/
child-friendly-hotels
www.tropicbreeze.co.uk
“Whatever your accommodation,
make sure it meets the specific needs
of your family,” says Jo Plummer,
a mother of three and director of
the travel company Tropic Breeze.
“If your youngest is almost but not
quite four and the kids club only lets
children in from the age of four, don’t
presume you will be able to get them
in. They might be unable to take
them any younger than that because
of their insurance.”
The experience will be no fun if you
are the only ones with kids and the
only thing to eat is haute cuisine.
“Luxury hotels are waking up to the
idea that their guests do have children
and on occasion they would like to
bring them too,” says Bryony Hordern.
Luxury hotels that cater for kids are
a good compromise for all the family.
Those such as Wooley Grange near
Bath or Knoll House in Dorset offer
kid friendly options such as crèches
and play facilities and do a special
children’s sitting at tea time.
However, they also cater for adults
with spa facilities and a babysitter
service so that mums and dads can
enjoy some grown up time together
in the dining room.
They don’t come cheap, but many
offer special deals such as kids or
grandparents come free.
| winter 2011
21
Travel
When you are feeling exhausted
by the rigours of parenting, the idea
of holidaying with the kids may seem
a contradiction in terms. It is true
that when you have young children
holidays take on a different meaning.
However, with careful planning it is
possible to get away from it all and
relax as a family.
The secret is to choose a break with
something for everyone, according to
Annie Jones, managing director of the
website www.travellingwithchildren.
co.uk. “If you are travelling with
a baby, then travel for yourself as
babies don’t care where they stay so
long as they are with you,” she says.
“However, when travelling with older
children, then take into account the
likes and dislikes of every member of
the family – including your own – as
accommodating the taste of everyone
will make for the best possible trip.”
If you are stuck for ideas, then a travel
agent might be more helpful than
spending ages scouring the web.
“We can help advise what possibilities
there are for parents and may come
up with options that you just had not
considered,” says Bryony Hordern,
a travel agent (and mother of two)
at Tickets Anywhere in Thame,
Oxfordshire.
Travel
take
a Family
winter
holiday
By Lucy Elkins
A common mistake parents make
is to try to pack in too much.
“Even if you have the luxury of a
longer trip, don’t try to do and see
everything – that risks overload and
you are likely to find the children
harder to handle,” advises
Annie Jones.
“Allowing more time for them to
potter around on a river, beach,
collect stones, play hide and seek
in hollow trees or fish in rock pools
will let you relax too.”
Most keen skiers will want some time
away from the nursery slopes so you will
need to arrange some childcare. Book
ahead as crèche facilities fill up quickly.
20
winter 2011 |
“If you have a young baby, don’t venture
too high as babies can get grizzly
and fevery at altitude,” says Helen
Truszkowski, a family travel specialist
behind Cadogan Guides’ award winning
Take The Kids guidebook series.
For your sanity, choose a resort with a
short transfer time and hotel or chalet,
preferably within a walk of the slopes.
Catered chalets are a good option for
Luxury English
This is one of the few places assured
to provide winter sun and children get
a warm welcome across the Caribbean.
The main drawback is the flight which
takes around eight hours. However,
this is less than more far flung
destinations and the time difference
is only four hours behind GMT.
Spending a few days in the lap of
luxury is an appealing idea – but
choose with care.
Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua
all have direct flights whereas other
Caribbean destinations require another
connecting flight which, if you are
travelling with a family, may not
be ideal.
Accommodation varies from high
class villas to hotels. Many offer
inclusive deals, kids clubs and
babysitting facilities.
Skiing
Of all the family holiday options, this
one requires the most planning. First
of all decide what your priorities are.
Do you want to enjoy the thrill of the
black runs or do you want to take time
to mess around on the small slopes with
the children?
Caribbean
parents as you don’t need to worry
about cooking and can sit around and
relax in living accommodation after the
kids have gone to bed.
“Don’t think about teaching your
brood to ski yourself. Instead book
a kid-focused ski instructor,” adds
Helen. “They’re trained to teach them
the right core skills within a fun-filled
environment while stressing safety.”
Child friendly travel websites:
www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk
www.markwarner.co.uk
www.premiere-neige.com
www.babygoes2.com
www.takethefamily.com
www.mrandmrssmith.com/
child-friendly-hotels
www.tropicbreeze.co.uk
“Whatever your accommodation,
make sure it meets the specific needs
of your family,” says Jo Plummer,
a mother of three and director of
the travel company Tropic Breeze.
“If your youngest is almost but not
quite four and the kids club only lets
children in from the age of four, don’t
presume you will be able to get them
in. They might be unable to take
them any younger than that because
of their insurance.”
The experience will be no fun if you
are the only ones with kids and the
only thing to eat is haute cuisine.
“Luxury hotels are waking up to the
idea that their guests do have children
and on occasion they would like to
bring them too,” says Bryony Hordern.
Luxury hotels that cater for kids are
a good compromise for all the family.
Those such as Wooley Grange near
Bath or Knoll House in Dorset offer
kid friendly options such as crèches
and play facilities and do a special
children’s sitting at tea time.
However, they also cater for adults
with spa facilities and a babysitter
service so that mums and dads can
enjoy some grown up time together
in the dining room.
They don’t come cheap, but many
offer special deals such as kids or
grandparents come free.
| winter 2011
21
Health
vaccinating
your child
By Lucy Elkins
Health
“You need to have around 95 percent
of children vaccinated to achieve what
is known as herd immunity.
“Otherwise, with a large number of the
population not vaccinated,
it makes
By Lucy
Elkinsthe
chance of outbreaks of these diseases
more likely.”
TAKING your tiny
All vaccinations are available free on
the NHS, but some parents opt to have
their children immunised privately as it
gives them more control and choice.
eight-week-old baby
for their first round
of vaccinations is
It is also possible to get vaccinations
privately such as chicken pox which
are not available on the NHS, but are
routinely given in other countries such
as the United States.
a daunting, even
frightening prospect
for new parents.
Watching as the GP injects your
precious baby not once but twice,
giving them protection against six
different diseases, is enough to bring
a tear to most mothers’ eyes. Suddenly,
your baby’s face crumples and giant
tears start tumbling down their cheeks,
as they wonder what on Earth is going
on. Yet deciding whether to vaccinate
is one of the first and most important
decisions parents must make about
the health of their child.
“The idea of vaccinations is to
protect children against diseases
that could be extremely dangerous
to them,” explains Dr Ahmed Massoud,
a consultant paediatrician at the
Portland Hospital.
“So the time they are given is designed
to strike a balance between protecting
children and waiting until their immune
system can cope with the vaccines.
“You don’t want to give the vaccines
too late as the children may then be
exposed to diseases which could prove
fatal to them.
“However, giving some vaccines earlier
than eight weeks is also not practical
because a newborn baby’s immune
system is not mature enough to
produce antibodies in response
to certain vaccines.
22
winter 2011 |
“That would mean that the vaccine
may not lead to adequate protection.”
Diseases such as polio are now virtually
unheard of in this country thanks to
vaccination programmes, and parents
used to take their children along for
their jabs without a second thought.
However, that changed after The Lancet
published a study in 1998 suggesting
that there may be a link between the
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
vaccine and autism and inflammatory
bowel disease.
The study examined the outcomes
of just 14 children and was later
discredited but the damage was done.
Uptake of vaccinations plummeted
so much that in some areas only one
in four children was having them.
would stop the work of the vaccine,”
says Helen Bedford, a senior lecturer
in children’s health at the Institute
of Child Health in London.
“However these antibodies start
to die off after around six months
which is why the MMR is given later.”
Some people think that giving
children so many jabs – in this country
they receive vaccinations against ten
different diseases before the age of two
– will overburden their system, but this
is not the case says Helen Bedford.
“Every time you breathe, eat or drink
you take in numerous things that
challenge the immune system,”
she explains.
“The amount given in a vaccine
is tiny in comparison.”
However, recently the Health Protection
Agency has appealed to parents to
get their children vaccinated as
outbreaks of diseases such as measles
have become increasingly common.
If children are not vaccinated, then
they face a bigger threat from diseases
that they would otherwise stand little
chance of exposure to.
The MMR jab is left a little later, until
after a child’s first birthday, because
unlike the vaccines given earlier
it contains live viruses.
“In order to eradicate an infection
you need to protect individuals and
the community as a whole,” says
Dr Massoud.
“A baby is born with some antibodies
from its mother and these antibodies
Chicken pox is one of a number of
conditions the NHS may offer childhood
vaccinations for in the future.
However, there are concerns that if
children are vaccinated against chicken
pox, adults will be more likely to pick
it up as their vaccine immunity wears
off – and it can be a really nasty illness
for adults.
Others under consideration or
development include meningococcal
B, a cause of bacterial meningitis and
Hepatitis B.
“We are one of the only countries in
the world not to vaccinate against
that,” adds Helen Bedford.
“At the moment pregnant women are
screened for it and if they are infected
then their babies will be vaccinated
against it but that might change.”
Q My baby has a cold, should
I postpone their scheduled
vaccination?
A No, children can still be
vaccinated when they have a
minor infection such as a cold. It is,
however, advisable to delay a vaccine
if your child has a fever. This is because
vaccines can also cause a fever and this
may confuse the diagnosis.
Q My child was underweight or
premature at birth, should I delay
vaccinating?
A No. Their immune system should
be mature enough to cope with the
vaccine at eight weeks irrespective of
birth weight. The only children not
advised to have a vaccine are those
who have had an anaphylactic reaction
to that specific vaccine. MMR is not
recommended to those with immunesuppressant conditions as the vaccine
contains live virus.
Q I am concerned about the MMR.
Is it safer to have the injections
separately?
A Scientifically, there is no valid
reason not to have the MMR, says Dr
Massoud. Separate vaccines can only
be given privately (and cost around
£100 each). At the moment there is
no single mumps vaccine available.
Q Will vaccinations make my child’s
immune system weaker?
A No the reverse is true. Studies
have found that vaccinated children
generally get fewer infections than
children who have not been vaccinated,
according to Helen Bedford.
Q Is it ever too late to vaccinate
a child?
A No, although there are some
exceptions. Hib is not normally
given to those over ten because it is
uncommon in anyone over the age
of five. Whooping cough is also not
normally given to those over ten
because beyond that age it is not
normally life threatening. Women
who are hoping to have a family
should ensure they have had the
rubella vaccine as rubella can cause
serious birth defects.
Vaccine
timeline
checklist
Two months
5-in-one jab (Diphtheria,
tetanus, whooping cough,
polio and heamophilus
influenza type b or Hib)
Pneumococcal infection
Three months
5-in-one second dose
Meningitis C
Four months
5-in-one third dose
Meningitis C second dose
Pneumococcal infection
second dose
Between 12 months
and 13 months
Meningitis C third dose
and Hib fourth dose
MMR (measles, mumps,
rubella) Pneumococcal
infection, third dose
3 years and four months
MMR second jab
4-in-one pre school booster:
Diphtheria, tetanus,
whooping cough and polio
12-13
Cervical cancer vaccine
13-18 years
Diphtheria, tetanus
and polio booster
| winter 2011
23
Health
vaccinating
your child
By Lucy Elkins
Health
“You need to have around 95 percent
of children vaccinated to achieve what
is known as herd immunity.
“Otherwise, with a large number of the
population not vaccinated,
it makes
By Lucy
Elkinsthe
chance of outbreaks of these diseases
more likely.”
TAKING your tiny
All vaccinations are available free on
the NHS, but some parents opt to have
their children immunised privately as it
gives them more control and choice.
eight-week-old baby
for their first round
of vaccinations is
It is also possible to get vaccinations
privately such as chicken pox which
are not available on the NHS, but are
routinely given in other countries such
as the United States.
a daunting, even
frightening prospect
for new parents.
Watching as the GP injects your
precious baby not once but twice,
giving them protection against six
different diseases, is enough to bring
a tear to most mothers’ eyes. Suddenly,
your baby’s face crumples and giant
tears start tumbling down their cheeks,
as they wonder what on Earth is going
on. Yet deciding whether to vaccinate
is one of the first and most important
decisions parents must make about
the health of their child.
“The idea of vaccinations is to
protect children against diseases
that could be extremely dangerous
to them,” explains Dr Ahmed Massoud,
a consultant paediatrician at the
Portland Hospital.
“So the time they are given is designed
to strike a balance between protecting
children and waiting until their immune
system can cope with the vaccines.
“You don’t want to give the vaccines
too late as the children may then be
exposed to diseases which could prove
fatal to them.
“However, giving some vaccines earlier
than eight weeks is also not practical
because a newborn baby’s immune
system is not mature enough to
produce antibodies in response
to certain vaccines.
22
winter 2011 |
“That would mean that the vaccine
may not lead to adequate protection.”
Diseases such as polio are now virtually
unheard of in this country thanks to
vaccination programmes, and parents
used to take their children along for
their jabs without a second thought.
However, that changed after The Lancet
published a study in 1998 suggesting
that there may be a link between the
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
vaccine and autism and inflammatory
bowel disease.
The study examined the outcomes
of just 14 children and was later
discredited but the damage was done.
Uptake of vaccinations plummeted
so much that in some areas only one
in four children was having them.
would stop the work of the vaccine,”
says Helen Bedford, a senior lecturer
in children’s health at the Institute
of Child Health in London.
“However these antibodies start
to die off after around six months
which is why the MMR is given later.”
Some people think that giving
children so many jabs – in this country
they receive vaccinations against ten
different diseases before the age of two
– will overburden their system, but this
is not the case says Helen Bedford.
“Every time you breathe, eat or drink
you take in numerous things that
challenge the immune system,”
she explains.
“The amount given in a vaccine
is tiny in comparison.”
However, recently the Health Protection
Agency has appealed to parents to
get their children vaccinated as
outbreaks of diseases such as measles
have become increasingly common.
If children are not vaccinated, then
they face a bigger threat from diseases
that they would otherwise stand little
chance of exposure to.
The MMR jab is left a little later, until
after a child’s first birthday, because
unlike the vaccines given earlier
it contains live viruses.
“In order to eradicate an infection
you need to protect individuals and
the community as a whole,” says
Dr Massoud.
“A baby is born with some antibodies
from its mother and these antibodies
Chicken pox is one of a number of
conditions the NHS may offer childhood
vaccinations for in the future.
However, there are concerns that if
children are vaccinated against chicken
pox, adults will be more likely to pick
it up as their vaccine immunity wears
off – and it can be a really nasty illness
for adults.
Others under consideration or
development include meningococcal
B, a cause of bacterial meningitis and
Hepatitis B.
“We are one of the only countries in
the world not to vaccinate against
that,” adds Helen Bedford.
“At the moment pregnant women are
screened for it and if they are infected
then their babies will be vaccinated
against it but that might change.”
Q My baby has a cold, should
I postpone their scheduled
vaccination?
A No, children can still be
vaccinated when they have a
minor infection such as a cold. It is,
however, advisable to delay a vaccine
if your child has a fever. This is because
vaccines can also cause a fever and this
may confuse the diagnosis.
Q My child was underweight or
premature at birth, should I delay
vaccinating?
A No. Their immune system should
be mature enough to cope with the
vaccine at eight weeks irrespective of
birth weight. The only children not
advised to have a vaccine are those
who have had an anaphylactic reaction
to that specific vaccine. MMR is not
recommended to those with immunesuppressant conditions as the vaccine
contains live virus.
Q I am concerned about the MMR.
Is it safer to have the injections
separately?
A Scientifically, there is no valid
reason not to have the MMR, says Dr
Massoud. Separate vaccines can only
be given privately (and cost around
£100 each). At the moment there is
no single mumps vaccine available.
Q Will vaccinations make my child’s
immune system weaker?
A No the reverse is true. Studies
have found that vaccinated children
generally get fewer infections than
children who have not been vaccinated,
according to Helen Bedford.
Q Is it ever too late to vaccinate
a child?
A No, although there are some
exceptions. Hib is not normally
given to those over ten because it is
uncommon in anyone over the age
of five. Whooping cough is also not
normally given to those over ten
because beyond that age it is not
normally life threatening. Women
who are hoping to have a family
should ensure they have had the
rubella vaccine as rubella can cause
serious birth defects.
Vaccine
timeline
checklist
Two months
5-in-one jab (Diphtheria,
tetanus, whooping cough,
polio and heamophilus
influenza type b or Hib)
Pneumococcal infection
Three months
5-in-one second dose
Meningitis C
Four months
5-in-one third dose
Meningitis C second dose
Pneumococcal infection
second dose
Between 12 months
and 13 months
Meningitis C third dose
and Hib fourth dose
MMR (measles, mumps,
rubella) Pneumococcal
infection, third dose
3 years and four months
MMR second jab
4-in-one pre school booster:
Diphtheria, tetanus,
whooping cough and polio
12-13
Cervical cancer vaccine
13-18 years
Diphtheria, tetanus
and polio booster
| winter 2011
23
me and my
pregnancy
“The Post-Natal Intensive employs exercise and diet methods
that radically shift body fat and totally re-sculpt the body,
without compromising metabolism.”
eating plan ensure the results that
clients achieve are long lasting and,
most of all, easy to maintain. “No aspect
of what we do is extreme, which is
critical for post-natal mothers” she
explains. “Every element of the PostNatal Intensive is sensible, researched
and proven to work. But what we do
is put it all together to create massive
transformations in our clients’ bodies
and lifestyles.”
THE INTENSIVE PERSONAL TRAINING
PROGRAMME was devised by celebrity
trainer Louise Parker over twelve years
ago and has since changed the body
shape of hundreds of individuals. Her
experience ranges from helping clients
recover from pregnancy and childbirth,
long-term obesity, to taking care of
some of the most beautiful bodies in
the world.
The unique programme combines six
hours a week of her exercise method,
alongside a rigorous dietary overhaul,
for a six-week period. “Each week we
train you in four 90-minute sessions
in the comfort of your own home –
bringing the gym to you and saving
precious time,” says Louise. “Some
clients choose to do three 90-minute
sessions over an eight-week period and
the results are still exceptional.”
The Intensive employs exercise and diet
methods that radically shift body fat
and totally re-sculpt the body, without
compromising metabolism. “It’s so
important to teach our clients how to
boost their metabolism so that once
they have lost the weight they can
easily keep it off,” she notes. “So many
diets will get the weight off but your
metabolism will come to a grinding
halt or they are just not sustainable.”
The emphasis of the programme is
on resistance work and an intelligent
24 winter 2011 |
“My team are world class and without
doubt some of the best in the country.
Most come from a Sports Science
background and we have two Olympic
athletes amongst us. We all share a
friendly, no-nonsense approach and
between us we offer an unrivalled
service to our clients. I’m hugely proud
to have such a talented and committed
team behind me.”
Louise Parker believes anyone can
have a fantastic body – regardless
of age, body type and starting point:
“By following my method, you really
will be blown away by how you can
change your body shape, overall fitness
and exceed your own expectations.
Child birth should not be a reason
to accept a lower level of fitness
or different body shape.”
Her programme is suitable for anyone
wanting exceptional results, in record
time. The Post-Natal Intensive is hugely
popular with clients needing to be what
she calls ‘red-carpet ready’ bouncing
back quickly from pregnancy for a
wedding, new job-role or even the
school run. “I love helping post-natal
mums,” she explains. “Since I had my
daughters in quick succession, I fully
understand the challenges new mothers
are faced with, and what has to be done
to return you to your former glory.
Having completed and fine tuned The
Intensive following the birth of each
of my children, I also know just how
effective the programme is.”
a d ve r to r i a l
Louise Parker designs each programme
with one of her team before the
programme commences, based on
the individual’s requirements and
deadlines. A rigid, yet balanced food
plan is devised, ensuring optimal
results. Louise personally monitors your
diet diary on a daily basis to ensure
you are on the right track and
that you get all the support and
motivation you need to succeed.
In six weeks, you will emerge looking
better than you thought you ever
could. What Louise Parker does isn’t
gimmicky, it is instead an intelligent
combination of three factors –
nutrition, training and lifestyle –
delivered in just the right combination.
“It is so important to feel physically
strong as a new mother. Prioritising
getting back into shape has a huge
impact on your self esteem, can
help ward off depression and gives
you some well deserved ‘you time’.
Providing your body is ready postpregnancy, you have made the decision
to change and are willing to let us
guide you, ”she asserts, “you simply
cannot fail – we make sure of it.”
Victoria Bentley, mother of Juliet who was born
at 11.46am on the 18th June, 2011.
“Telling our parents I was pregnant was a very
special moment. Juliet is the first grandchild for
both my Dad and my husband Tom’s parents,
so they were very excited.
What was hard was not having my Mum around.
She died of cancer when I was in my teens and
I would have really liked her there to help me
through pregnancy and answer all my questions.
The pregnancy itself went pretty smoothly and
I really loved being able to eat what I wanted,
without worrying.
However, for the first few months, I had terrible
morning sickness which, unlike its name, seemed
to extend throughout the day.
By mid-afternoon, I couldn’t keep my eyes open and
the only way to stop myself being sick was to nibble
on packets of Ryvita and dry pretzels.
Chocolate and sweets were right off the menu as
they tasted sickly sweet; even grapes and apples
tasted too much of sugar!
When Juliet was born, the world tilted on its axis –
I loved her straight away. Having Tom by my side,
and Juliet in my arms, everything suddenly seemed
to make sense. Bring on the next one!”
There are many programmes available,
and following a telephone consultation,
Louise will advise a suitable programme
and schedule to suit any objective,
lifestyle and budget. Louise asks that
new mums commit to a minimum of
two hours per week of their method to
ensure that they achieve amazing results.
For more information and to arrange
a complementary consultation,
please contact 0800 084 2828.
Louise Parker Personal Training, 2 Eaton
Gate, London SW1W 9BJ 0800 084 2828
[email protected]
t
and Julie
Victoria
| winter 2011
25
me and my
pregnancy
“The Post-Natal Intensive employs exercise and diet methods
that radically shift body fat and totally re-sculpt the body,
without compromising metabolism.”
eating plan ensure the results that
clients achieve are long lasting and,
most of all, easy to maintain. “No aspect
of what we do is extreme, which is
critical for post-natal mothers” she
explains. “Every element of the PostNatal Intensive is sensible, researched
and proven to work. But what we do
is put it all together to create massive
transformations in our clients’ bodies
and lifestyles.”
THE INTENSIVE PERSONAL TRAINING
PROGRAMME was devised by celebrity
trainer Louise Parker over twelve years
ago and has since changed the body
shape of hundreds of individuals. Her
experience ranges from helping clients
recover from pregnancy and childbirth,
long-term obesity, to taking care of
some of the most beautiful bodies in
the world.
The unique programme combines six
hours a week of her exercise method,
alongside a rigorous dietary overhaul,
for a six-week period. “Each week we
train you in four 90-minute sessions
in the comfort of your own home –
bringing the gym to you and saving
precious time,” says Louise. “Some
clients choose to do three 90-minute
sessions over an eight-week period and
the results are still exceptional.”
The Intensive employs exercise and diet
methods that radically shift body fat
and totally re-sculpt the body, without
compromising metabolism. “It’s so
important to teach our clients how to
boost their metabolism so that once
they have lost the weight they can
easily keep it off,” she notes. “So many
diets will get the weight off but your
metabolism will come to a grinding
halt or they are just not sustainable.”
The emphasis of the programme is
on resistance work and an intelligent
24 winter 2011 |
“My team are world class and without
doubt some of the best in the country.
Most come from a Sports Science
background and we have two Olympic
athletes amongst us. We all share a
friendly, no-nonsense approach and
between us we offer an unrivalled
service to our clients. I’m hugely proud
to have such a talented and committed
team behind me.”
Louise Parker believes anyone can
have a fantastic body – regardless
of age, body type and starting point:
“By following my method, you really
will be blown away by how you can
change your body shape, overall fitness
and exceed your own expectations.
Child birth should not be a reason
to accept a lower level of fitness
or different body shape.”
Her programme is suitable for anyone
wanting exceptional results, in record
time. The Post-Natal Intensive is hugely
popular with clients needing to be what
she calls ‘red-carpet ready’ bouncing
back quickly from pregnancy for a
wedding, new job-role or even the
school run. “I love helping post-natal
mums,” she explains. “Since I had my
daughters in quick succession, I fully
understand the challenges new mothers
are faced with, and what has to be done
to return you to your former glory.
Having completed and fine tuned The
Intensive following the birth of each
of my children, I also know just how
effective the programme is.”
a d ve r to r i a l
Louise Parker designs each programme
with one of her team before the
programme commences, based on
the individual’s requirements and
deadlines. A rigid, yet balanced food
plan is devised, ensuring optimal
results. Louise personally monitors your
diet diary on a daily basis to ensure
you are on the right track and
that you get all the support and
motivation you need to succeed.
In six weeks, you will emerge looking
better than you thought you ever
could. What Louise Parker does isn’t
gimmicky, it is instead an intelligent
combination of three factors –
nutrition, training and lifestyle –
delivered in just the right combination.
“It is so important to feel physically
strong as a new mother. Prioritising
getting back into shape has a huge
impact on your self esteem, can
help ward off depression and gives
you some well deserved ‘you time’.
Providing your body is ready postpregnancy, you have made the decision
to change and are willing to let us
guide you, ”she asserts, “you simply
cannot fail – we make sure of it.”
Victoria Bentley, mother of Juliet who was born
at 11.46am on the 18th June, 2011.
“Telling our parents I was pregnant was a very
special moment. Juliet is the first grandchild for
both my Dad and my husband Tom’s parents,
so they were very excited.
What was hard was not having my Mum around.
She died of cancer when I was in my teens and
I would have really liked her there to help me
through pregnancy and answer all my questions.
The pregnancy itself went pretty smoothly and
I really loved being able to eat what I wanted,
without worrying.
However, for the first few months, I had terrible
morning sickness which, unlike its name, seemed
to extend throughout the day.
By mid-afternoon, I couldn’t keep my eyes open and
the only way to stop myself being sick was to nibble
on packets of Ryvita and dry pretzels.
Chocolate and sweets were right off the menu as
they tasted sickly sweet; even grapes and apples
tasted too much of sugar!
When Juliet was born, the world tilted on its axis –
I loved her straight away. Having Tom by my side,
and Juliet in my arms, everything suddenly seemed
to make sense. Bring on the next one!”
There are many programmes available,
and following a telephone consultation,
Louise will advise a suitable programme
and schedule to suit any objective,
lifestyle and budget. Louise asks that
new mums commit to a minimum of
two hours per week of their method to
ensure that they achieve amazing results.
For more information and to arrange
a complementary consultation,
please contact 0800 084 2828.
Louise Parker Personal Training, 2 Eaton
Gate, London SW1W 9BJ 0800 084 2828
[email protected]
t
and Julie
Victoria
| winter 2011
25
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
ways to
find parent
Friends
instinctively flock together as much
as women do,” says Dr Briers.
However it does pay to be selective
about who you pal up with.
“However fatherhood is a difficult
transition and a lot of men do
feel unsupported through it and
struggle with it as a result.
“Parenting has become very
competitive and that is even true
among friends,” adds Dr Briers.
“However, fatherhood can break open
new possibilities for men socially.
By Lucy Elkins
You’re having one of those
days with the kids when you wonder
what it is that attracted you to
parenting in the first place. Your
baby is teething, your toddler is
having one continuous tantrum.
Your older child has perfected the
art of sulking and you almost broke
your neck tripping over the various
toys parked around the house.
It is at times like these when you
need your parent friends.
Parent friends are the ones you bonded
with at birthing classes, toddler groups
or the school gates. The difference
between them and your other friends
is that they have kids, typically around
the same age as yours. So when you
call in despair at some child-related
mishap, they understand your pain.
“Chatting to friends who don’t
have kids is a great release from
the day-to-day confines of parenting,
but having friends who have children
themselves is vital in other ways,”
says Dr Jenny Leonard, a Chartered
Psychologist and Family
Specialist based near Bath.
“It is with them that you can
swap advice and ideas.
“Many parents go into parenting
without much experience these days.
“Whereas once an extended family
would help guide you through
and reassure you, now that job is
done by a network of friends.”
26
winter 2011 |
Talking through concerns about your
children can help allay fears that
there is something wrong with your
child, or your parenting skills says Dr
Stephen Briers, a clinical psychologist
and author of Superpowers for
Parents: The Psychology of Great
Parenting and Happy Children.
“There may be something about
your child’s behaviour that you
think is extreme or unusual but if
you discuss it with a parent friend
you realise that actually this is
something most kids do,” he says.
with other parents are now more
important than ever. Indeed, a survey
conducted by the parenting charity
the National Childbirth Trust found
that a third of parents live more than
40 miles away from their closest
relatives, which cuts the opportunity
for popping in for a reassuring chat.
“Research has found that parents
need 13 parent friends to make up
for not having an extended family on
hand these days to support you and
give practical advice as you bring up
children ,” says Juliette Pollard, a
“Having children can be a pretty daunting
experience and it is unsurprising that we tend
to turn for support and reassurance from
others who find themselves in the same boat.”
“A lot of parents I see find parenting
generally a lot harder than they
expected and presume other people
are coping much better than they are.
“However if they chat about their
concerns with other parent friends,
then they realise that a lot of
people feel like this and so that
cuts their sense of isolation.
“Having children can be a pretty
daunting experience and it is
unsurprising that we tend to turn for
support and reassurance from others
who find themselves in the same boat.”
As families are these days often
spread far and wide, relationships
health visitor for 17 years who is
now a postnatal leader with the NCT.
“Mums often feel guilty about
taking time out of the house to be
with other mums but actually you
could argue that these days it is
part of the job of being a parent.
“Contact with other parents makes
you feel less isolated and helps
develop your parenting skills.
“It also gives your child the chance
to integrate with other children.”
And it’s not just mums who
benefit from contact with other
parents, so do dads. “Men don’t
“Often this comes in the form of
other families that their partner
initially befriends, but dads need
to make the most of the social
opportunities that they get.”
Few people are lucky enough to
have ready made friends around the
corner who are having children at the
same time as them, so making parent
friends can require a bit of effort.
The NCT is an obvious port of call.
It runs antenatal and post-natal
groups nationwide for parents
and has special events for dads.
Many GP surgeries run post-natal
groups too and, as children get older,
there are play groups or activity
sessions such as gym or music.
Some parents will always want to talk
about how well their child is doing.
Equally someone with an angelic child
may issue advice presuming their
child’s good behaviour is down to their
parenting skills, when actually the child
was born with an easy temperament.
So when taking advice from a parent
friend remember that every child
is different and try and limit your
close bonds with those parents
who make you feel good about
yourself and your abilities.
Also don’t ignore your friends
who don’t have kids.
“Time with them helps remind you
about the other elements of your
personality and what you are like
as a person, not just as a parent.”
1. Sign up for parenting classes before
and after the birth. In the early days
of having a baby, having to get out
of the house for something is a
useful motivator.
2. Try a variety of play groups or activities
such as swimming or dance classes.
Libraries also tend to be a Mecca
for parents.
3. Initiate conversations. If you are shy
then before you go out think up some
opening lines to get the conversation
flowing such as complimenting
another parent’s child or asking
if it’s their first.
4. If you are new to a school then
introduce yourself to other parents at
the school gate, don’t wait for others
to make the first move.
5. W
orking parents could try taking time
to chat with other parents when they
pick up their child from nursery, join a
Saturday club or access other parents
on-line. Netmums (www.netmums.
com) have a ‘meet a mum section’
where you can leave a post asking
to meet mums in your area.
“When you have had a baby it is
easy to feel scared about feeding or
changing in public but remember
everyone is in the same boat and if
you want to make friends then you
have to say ‘yes’ to every invite that
comes your way,” says Juliette Pollard.
“As the children get older you can
often strike up new friendships at
places like soft play areas or even in
parks, anywhere where parents are
hanging around watching their kids
and so are glad to talk to someone.”
Once you make a bond with another
parent often they become a friend for life.
“There is nothing like sharing an intense
and emotional experience to establish a
lasting friendship – and it doesn’t come
much more intense and emotional than
becoming a new parent,” says Dr Briers.
| winter 2011
27
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
ways to
find parent
Friends
instinctively flock together as much
as women do,” says Dr Briers.
However it does pay to be selective
about who you pal up with.
“However fatherhood is a difficult
transition and a lot of men do
feel unsupported through it and
struggle with it as a result.
“Parenting has become very
competitive and that is even true
among friends,” adds Dr Briers.
“However, fatherhood can break open
new possibilities for men socially.
By Lucy Elkins
You’re having one of those
days with the kids when you wonder
what it is that attracted you to
parenting in the first place. Your
baby is teething, your toddler is
having one continuous tantrum.
Your older child has perfected the
art of sulking and you almost broke
your neck tripping over the various
toys parked around the house.
It is at times like these when you
need your parent friends.
Parent friends are the ones you bonded
with at birthing classes, toddler groups
or the school gates. The difference
between them and your other friends
is that they have kids, typically around
the same age as yours. So when you
call in despair at some child-related
mishap, they understand your pain.
“Chatting to friends who don’t
have kids is a great release from
the day-to-day confines of parenting,
but having friends who have children
themselves is vital in other ways,”
says Dr Jenny Leonard, a Chartered
Psychologist and Family
Specialist based near Bath.
“It is with them that you can
swap advice and ideas.
“Many parents go into parenting
without much experience these days.
“Whereas once an extended family
would help guide you through
and reassure you, now that job is
done by a network of friends.”
26
winter 2011 |
Talking through concerns about your
children can help allay fears that
there is something wrong with your
child, or your parenting skills says Dr
Stephen Briers, a clinical psychologist
and author of Superpowers for
Parents: The Psychology of Great
Parenting and Happy Children.
“There may be something about
your child’s behaviour that you
think is extreme or unusual but if
you discuss it with a parent friend
you realise that actually this is
something most kids do,” he says.
with other parents are now more
important than ever. Indeed, a survey
conducted by the parenting charity
the National Childbirth Trust found
that a third of parents live more than
40 miles away from their closest
relatives, which cuts the opportunity
for popping in for a reassuring chat.
“Research has found that parents
need 13 parent friends to make up
for not having an extended family on
hand these days to support you and
give practical advice as you bring up
children ,” says Juliette Pollard, a
“Having children can be a pretty daunting
experience and it is unsurprising that we tend
to turn for support and reassurance from
others who find themselves in the same boat.”
“A lot of parents I see find parenting
generally a lot harder than they
expected and presume other people
are coping much better than they are.
“However if they chat about their
concerns with other parent friends,
then they realise that a lot of
people feel like this and so that
cuts their sense of isolation.
“Having children can be a pretty
daunting experience and it is
unsurprising that we tend to turn for
support and reassurance from others
who find themselves in the same boat.”
As families are these days often
spread far and wide, relationships
health visitor for 17 years who is
now a postnatal leader with the NCT.
“Mums often feel guilty about
taking time out of the house to be
with other mums but actually you
could argue that these days it is
part of the job of being a parent.
“Contact with other parents makes
you feel less isolated and helps
develop your parenting skills.
“It also gives your child the chance
to integrate with other children.”
And it’s not just mums who
benefit from contact with other
parents, so do dads. “Men don’t
“Often this comes in the form of
other families that their partner
initially befriends, but dads need
to make the most of the social
opportunities that they get.”
Few people are lucky enough to
have ready made friends around the
corner who are having children at the
same time as them, so making parent
friends can require a bit of effort.
The NCT is an obvious port of call.
It runs antenatal and post-natal
groups nationwide for parents
and has special events for dads.
Many GP surgeries run post-natal
groups too and, as children get older,
there are play groups or activity
sessions such as gym or music.
Some parents will always want to talk
about how well their child is doing.
Equally someone with an angelic child
may issue advice presuming their
child’s good behaviour is down to their
parenting skills, when actually the child
was born with an easy temperament.
So when taking advice from a parent
friend remember that every child
is different and try and limit your
close bonds with those parents
who make you feel good about
yourself and your abilities.
Also don’t ignore your friends
who don’t have kids.
“Time with them helps remind you
about the other elements of your
personality and what you are like
as a person, not just as a parent.”
1. Sign up for parenting classes before
and after the birth. In the early days
of having a baby, having to get out
of the house for something is a
useful motivator.
2. Try a variety of play groups or activities
such as swimming or dance classes.
Libraries also tend to be a Mecca
for parents.
3. Initiate conversations. If you are shy
then before you go out think up some
opening lines to get the conversation
flowing such as complimenting
another parent’s child or asking
if it’s their first.
4. If you are new to a school then
introduce yourself to other parents at
the school gate, don’t wait for others
to make the first move.
5. W
orking parents could try taking time
to chat with other parents when they
pick up their child from nursery, join a
Saturday club or access other parents
on-line. Netmums (www.netmums.
com) have a ‘meet a mum section’
where you can leave a post asking
to meet mums in your area.
“When you have had a baby it is
easy to feel scared about feeding or
changing in public but remember
everyone is in the same boat and if
you want to make friends then you
have to say ‘yes’ to every invite that
comes your way,” says Juliette Pollard.
“As the children get older you can
often strike up new friendships at
places like soft play areas or even in
parks, anywhere where parents are
hanging around watching their kids
and so are glad to talk to someone.”
Once you make a bond with another
parent often they become a friend for life.
“There is nothing like sharing an intense
and emotional experience to establish a
lasting friendship – and it doesn’t come
much more intense and emotional than
becoming a new parent,” says Dr Briers.
| winter 2011
27
Activities
A Day in
the Life of
A Portland
Midwife
Ray Fagan, is the Portland Hospital’s Midwifery Led
Outpatients Team Leader, supervising a team of five
midwives and one health care assistant. She has worked
for the Portland Hospital for 12 years, and previously
worked as an NHS midwife for 13 years. Here she talks
us through a typical day at the hospital.
No two days are the same for me – that is the beauty of
my job. I can honestly say I never resent getting up and
coming into work. The word midwife actually means to be
with the woman: I spend my days with women, bringing
their babies into the world, feeling the warmth of new life
in my hands, seeing the excitement on new mothers’ faces
as they hold their child for the first time. I have the best
job in the world.
We all work shifts at the hospital, from 9am to 5pm,
12.30pm – 8.30pm and we also share the on-call nights,
from 8pm to 8am, making sure our patients receive the
care they need 24-hours a day, with midwives they have
come to know and trust throughout their pregnancy.
Today, I have the 9am shift. I come in early to read through
the hand-over notes from the midwife the night before; as
a small team, we all strive to get to know our clients as well
as possible, so there is continuity and a familiar face to
greet them.
We’re quiet at the moment, and haven’t delivered a baby
for a few days – babies are like buses, they always come in
batches of two or three! Last year, there were 2030 babies
born at the Portland. It’s very rare that our five delivery
rooms are all occupied, but if they are we have a couple
of rooms that can be adapted.
My notes tell me a lady could well be coming in later –
she’s two days overdue, fit, healthy and raring to go! This is
her third baby and she has requested the birthing pool, as
she did with her two previous deliveries. We find the pool
is very empowering for women – they relax and adopt
birthing positions they find comfortable and
natural, putting them very much in control.
28
winter 2011 |
After catching up, I start the morning antenatal clinic.
We see low-risk women from week six or seven of
pregnancy, right up until delivery. The higher risks, and
those expecting twins or triplets, are referred to a hospital
consultant, but will ‘book in’ with us first, to discuss their
birth plan and talk through any worries. The youngest
mother-to-be I have cared for at the Portland was 18 and
the oldest in her mid-40s.
I’ll do blood tests, to note blood groups and screen for any
infections. I’ll answer questions and allay fears, advise on
nutrition then book them into any classes or the Active
Birth Workshop, if they want to attend. We also run classes
late into the evening, for working women and offer oneto-ones. The most urgent question is always ‘when can I
see the baby on a scan?’ Everyone is desperate to see their
baby, just to see that it’s real.
Clinic runs smoothly, and then after lunch, our overdue
lady calls and is ready to come in. She’s already 4cms
dilated when she arrives, and keen to get into the pool.
It’s an easy labour, lasting two and a half hours, and she
gave birth in the water to a lovely 7lbs 4oz girl. The buzz
of seeing that moment, watching the new mother and
father look into their child’s eyes, never wanes for me.
It’s pure magic.
Children can learn about history while climbing, crawling and sliding through
forest and arctic-themed climbing frames at the new kids’ zone at the National
Army Museum. Aimed at children under 8, there are also areas for dressingup, den making, reading and a baby play area. National Army Museum, Royal
Brompton Road, London, SW3 4HT. www.nam.ac.uk
Activities
Matilda, Roald Dahl’s classic and enchanting novel
of the adventures of the child prodigy, is now on
at the Cambridge Theatre, in the West End.
This RSC production, with songs provided by Aussie
comedian Tim Minchin, has already received rave reviews,
making it the new hot ticket for children.
www.matildathemusical.com
Delve into the realms of fantasy,
illusion and enchantment at
the new exhibition at the V&A
Museum of Childhood.
Magic Worlds reveals how magic
has been embraced for hundreds
of years, taking the visitor on a
journey into miniature magical
worlds, complete with witches,
wizards, fairies and magical
creatures. Objects on display
include costumes, tricks and
illusions as well as interactive
hands-on activities. Magic Worlds
runs until March 4 2012.
www.vam.ac.uk
Today I am lucky. After seeing the new family happily
settled into their private, ensuite bedroom on the
postnatal floor, I get to leave at 5pm. That is not always
the case however – I will always try to see a woman
through to delivery, however long it lasts.
No doubt today’s delivery means the next in the batch
are never far away. Making sure my hand-over notes are
complete, I head home, exhausted, elated and already
looking forward to tomorrow.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a variety
of free performances featuring music,
dance, Chinese dragons, lions and acrobats.
The central London event to welcome in
the Year of the Dragon will be on Sunday
January 23 2012, when Chinatown and
Shaftesbury Avenue will be filled with
lanterns and food stalls, and is sure to be
a great day out for all the family.
www.timeout.com
| winter 2011
29
Activities
A Day in
the Life of
A Portland
Midwife
Ray Fagan, is the Portland Hospital’s Midwifery Led
Outpatients Team Leader, supervising a team of five
midwives and one health care assistant. She has worked
for the Portland Hospital for 12 years, and previously
worked as an NHS midwife for 13 years. Here she talks
us through a typical day at the hospital.
No two days are the same for me – that is the beauty of
my job. I can honestly say I never resent getting up and
coming into work. The word midwife actually means to be
with the woman: I spend my days with women, bringing
their babies into the world, feeling the warmth of new life
in my hands, seeing the excitement on new mothers’ faces
as they hold their child for the first time. I have the best
job in the world.
We all work shifts at the hospital, from 9am to 5pm,
12.30pm – 8.30pm and we also share the on-call nights,
from 8pm to 8am, making sure our patients receive the
care they need 24-hours a day, with midwives they have
come to know and trust throughout their pregnancy.
Today, I have the 9am shift. I come in early to read through
the hand-over notes from the midwife the night before; as
a small team, we all strive to get to know our clients as well
as possible, so there is continuity and a familiar face to
greet them.
We’re quiet at the moment, and haven’t delivered a baby
for a few days – babies are like buses, they always come in
batches of two or three! Last year, there were 2030 babies
born at the Portland. It’s very rare that our five delivery
rooms are all occupied, but if they are we have a couple
of rooms that can be adapted.
My notes tell me a lady could well be coming in later –
she’s two days overdue, fit, healthy and raring to go! This is
her third baby and she has requested the birthing pool, as
she did with her two previous deliveries. We find the pool
is very empowering for women – they relax and adopt
birthing positions they find comfortable and
natural, putting them very much in control.
28
winter 2011 |
After catching up, I start the morning antenatal clinic.
We see low-risk women from week six or seven of
pregnancy, right up until delivery. The higher risks, and
those expecting twins or triplets, are referred to a hospital
consultant, but will ‘book in’ with us first, to discuss their
birth plan and talk through any worries. The youngest
mother-to-be I have cared for at the Portland was 18 and
the oldest in her mid-40s.
I’ll do blood tests, to note blood groups and screen for any
infections. I’ll answer questions and allay fears, advise on
nutrition then book them into any classes or the Active
Birth Workshop, if they want to attend. We also run classes
late into the evening, for working women and offer oneto-ones. The most urgent question is always ‘when can I
see the baby on a scan?’ Everyone is desperate to see their
baby, just to see that it’s real.
Clinic runs smoothly, and then after lunch, our overdue
lady calls and is ready to come in. She’s already 4cms
dilated when she arrives, and keen to get into the pool.
It’s an easy labour, lasting two and a half hours, and she
gave birth in the water to a lovely 7lbs 4oz girl. The buzz
of seeing that moment, watching the new mother and
father look into their child’s eyes, never wanes for me.
It’s pure magic.
Children can learn about history while climbing, crawling and sliding through
forest and arctic-themed climbing frames at the new kids’ zone at the National
Army Museum. Aimed at children under 8, there are also areas for dressingup, den making, reading and a baby play area. National Army Museum, Royal
Brompton Road, London, SW3 4HT. www.nam.ac.uk
Activities
Matilda, Roald Dahl’s classic and enchanting novel
of the adventures of the child prodigy, is now on
at the Cambridge Theatre, in the West End.
This RSC production, with songs provided by Aussie
comedian Tim Minchin, has already received rave reviews,
making it the new hot ticket for children.
www.matildathemusical.com
Delve into the realms of fantasy,
illusion and enchantment at
the new exhibition at the V&A
Museum of Childhood.
Magic Worlds reveals how magic
has been embraced for hundreds
of years, taking the visitor on a
journey into miniature magical
worlds, complete with witches,
wizards, fairies and magical
creatures. Objects on display
include costumes, tricks and
illusions as well as interactive
hands-on activities. Magic Worlds
runs until March 4 2012.
www.vam.ac.uk
Today I am lucky. After seeing the new family happily
settled into their private, ensuite bedroom on the
postnatal floor, I get to leave at 5pm. That is not always
the case however – I will always try to see a woman
through to delivery, however long it lasts.
No doubt today’s delivery means the next in the batch
are never far away. Making sure my hand-over notes are
complete, I head home, exhausted, elated and already
looking forward to tomorrow.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a variety
of free performances featuring music,
dance, Chinese dragons, lions and acrobats.
The central London event to welcome in
the Year of the Dragon will be on Sunday
January 23 2012, when Chinatown and
Shaftesbury Avenue will be filled with
lanterns and food stalls, and is sure to be
a great day out for all the family.
www.timeout.com
| winter 2011
29
Lifestyle
Jasper rocking horse
£229, Harrods, 0845 605 1234
www.harrods.com
Vitra Omar the owl wall clock by George Nelson
£80, Heals, 08700 240 780 www.heals.co.uk
Studio 1 shelf
£79.99, Ferm Living,
01993867078
www.95percent.co.uk
Small wonders!
Children’s bedrooms don’t need to be style-free zones. Pieces that are as
beautiful as they are fun and functional will make for a space you love
as much as they do.
The Rug Company Alphabet wall hanging
£995, Paul Smith, 00800 222 444 55
www.paulsmith.co.uk
Sophie La Girafe pull-along storage
£32, Jojo Maman Bebe, 0781 423 5656
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
30
winter 2011 |
Lifestyle
Jasper rocking horse
£229, Harrods, 0845 605 1234
www.harrods.com
Vitra Omar the owl wall clock by George Nelson
£80, Heals, 08700 240 780 www.heals.co.uk
Studio 1 shelf
£79.99, Ferm Living,
01993867078
www.95percent.co.uk
Small wonders!
Children’s bedrooms don’t need to be style-free zones. Pieces that are as
beautiful as they are fun and functional will make for a space you love
as much as they do.
The Rug Company Alphabet wall hanging
£995, Paul Smith, 00800 222 444 55
www.paulsmith.co.uk
Sophie La Girafe pull-along storage
£32, Jojo Maman Bebe, 0781 423 5656
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
30
winter 2011 |
And the tots
came too
With a baby or a bump, you
can still enjoy a 5-star escape
Sometimes the most demanding holiday makers
are the smallest. That’s why the Tots Too collection
includes only those luxury resorts with fabulous family
facilities to make life easy for parents, and where the
littlest guests are just as welcome as the adults.
parent talk
By Elizabeth Jeffries
PREGNANCY & BEYOND – InterContinental Aphrodite Hills
This stunning resort in sunny Cyprus has a wonderful spa, offering relaxing massages
especially for pregnancy. Parents can have a break courtesy of the amazing Pirates Village,
where kids of all ages can enjoy supervised activities, an adventure playground, and kids’
pool with waterslide.
Price: from £1425 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
BABY & BEYOND – Porto Sani Village & Spa
Surrounded by the wooded hills of Greece, alongside a picturesque marina, Porto Sani
Village is a world in itself. With renowned childcare from four months old, parents
of even the tiniest of tots can relax and make the most of the fantastic facilities. The
unique Babewatch service is even on hand down at the beach.
Price: from £1850 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
TODDLER & BEYOND – Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort
Q My daughter had no problems
sleeping when she was a baby but now
she’s three she wakes up almost every
night. It’s making her bad-tempered
during the day and driving me and my
husband mad. What can we do?
The most important thing is having a
good bedtime routine. Try to give them
a bath at roughly the same time every
night. This means they will know it’s
time to stop playing and start thinking
about sleep.
a perfect scenario when it’s hatched
over a bottle of wine but the truth is,
if the ground rules are not established
long before you reach the departure
gate, it can often lead to a less than
relaxing holiday.
A This will be of little comfort to you,
but you’re not alone. Of all the trials
and tribulations facing new parents,
sleep deprivation is by far the most
common – and the hardest to deal
with. Here’s the bad news first: Not only
does a child who doesn’t get enough
sleep become a bad-tempered child
(with bad-tempered parents) but the
lack of sleep can actually have quite a
serious impact on their general health.
Having a bedroom that’s conducive
to sleep is key. That means turning the
light off when it is time for bed and
having a quiet room with nothing
to distract them.
Your childcare routines and the
demands of your children are very
specific and – no matter how well you
know your friends – theirs is likely to
be very different. So, before you set
off, sit down with your friends and talk
through each other’s daily routines:
the time your children wake, what they
eat, your bedtime routine. This means
there’ll be no surprises and, hopefully,
no friction.
Doctors have established a pretty
strong link between a child’s lack of
sleep and obesity.
Sleep-deprived children are more likely
to pile on the pounds because they are
up longer and because they are tired
they crave sugary foods which again
makes them put on weight.
Set amongst colourful gardens, this welcoming resort in Cyprus ensures that every
member of the family has a memorable time. The crèche caters beautifully for babies and
toddlers, whereas children will love the dedicated Penguin Village, whilst parents can slip
away for watersports and the spa.
A study from New Zealand earlier this
year showed that those who didn’t get
enough sleep in the early years of life
were more likely to grow up fat.
Price: from £1470 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
CHILDREN & BEYOND – ABAMA
The ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort sits majestically on the sunny west coast of Tenerife with its own
golden sandy beach and views out to the ocean. It is an exclusive enclave which is a paradise for
parents and children alike. The kids club offers inventive activities, such as pebble painting, pirate
parties and cookery. The 18 hole golf course, tennis club and spa mean happy parents too
Price: from £2280 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
Contact the Tots Too team for their advice on the perfect luxury holiday
for
family:
32 your
winter
2011 | 020 7284 3344 or [email protected] l www.totstoo.com
Every additional hour of sleep per night
between the age of three and five was
associated with a drop in Body Mass
Index of 0.49 and a 61 per cent reduced
danger of being overweight or obese
by the time they were seven.
But now for the good news: There’s
plenty you can do to help your child
sleep and, with a little bit of patience,
you can turn the situation around
fairly quickly.
Don’t underestimate the effectiveness
of reading them a story. It will relax
them and again give them a clear
signal it’s time to sleep. It’s also a
great bonding experience for parent
and child.
These may sound like simple solutions
but they are tried and tested and
can provide the difference between
a happy and healthy child and one
who isn’t. And don’t forget: it’ll create
happy parents too.
Q Some friends of ours have invited my
husband and I and our three-year-old
son and nine-month-old daughter to
go on holiday with them next year. It’s
very tempting as they have two young
children too but I hear lots of horror
stories about holidaying with friends
and their children. Should we go?
A First of all, forget the idea that
doubling the amount of adults will
automatically halve the amount of
childcare you’ll be doing. It just doesn’t
work like that. Holidaying with friends
and their children can often sound like
Then remember it’s a holiday for
you adults as well as your children.
Maybe agree in advance to babysit
each other’s children for an evening.
It’ll give you all a diversion and some
grown-up time to look forward
to and plan.
Then try to give you and your family
some quality time. It’s good to spend
time with friends but it’s very important
you get to enjoy time as a family.
Maybe schedule a family day out
without your friends. Again, talk
about this before you go so everyone
is clear about what they want out of
the holiday.
But most of all, trust your instinct. If
the holiday feels right, then with a little
bit of planning and open talking I’m
sure you’ll have a great time and – who
knows – you may go again next year.
| winter 2011
33
And the tots
came too
With a baby or a bump, you
can still enjoy a 5-star escape
Sometimes the most demanding holiday makers
are the smallest. That’s why the Tots Too collection
includes only those luxury resorts with fabulous family
facilities to make life easy for parents, and where the
littlest guests are just as welcome as the adults.
parent talk
By Elizabeth Jeffries
PREGNANCY & BEYOND – InterContinental Aphrodite Hills
This stunning resort in sunny Cyprus has a wonderful spa, offering relaxing massages
especially for pregnancy. Parents can have a break courtesy of the amazing Pirates Village,
where kids of all ages can enjoy supervised activities, an adventure playground, and kids’
pool with waterslide.
Price: from £1425 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
BABY & BEYOND – Porto Sani Village & Spa
Surrounded by the wooded hills of Greece, alongside a picturesque marina, Porto Sani
Village is a world in itself. With renowned childcare from four months old, parents
of even the tiniest of tots can relax and make the most of the fantastic facilities. The
unique Babewatch service is even on hand down at the beach.
Price: from £1850 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
TODDLER & BEYOND – Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort
Q My daughter had no problems
sleeping when she was a baby but now
she’s three she wakes up almost every
night. It’s making her bad-tempered
during the day and driving me and my
husband mad. What can we do?
The most important thing is having a
good bedtime routine. Try to give them
a bath at roughly the same time every
night. This means they will know it’s
time to stop playing and start thinking
about sleep.
a perfect scenario when it’s hatched
over a bottle of wine but the truth is,
if the ground rules are not established
long before you reach the departure
gate, it can often lead to a less than
relaxing holiday.
A This will be of little comfort to you,
but you’re not alone. Of all the trials
and tribulations facing new parents,
sleep deprivation is by far the most
common – and the hardest to deal
with. Here’s the bad news first: Not only
does a child who doesn’t get enough
sleep become a bad-tempered child
(with bad-tempered parents) but the
lack of sleep can actually have quite a
serious impact on their general health.
Having a bedroom that’s conducive
to sleep is key. That means turning the
light off when it is time for bed and
having a quiet room with nothing
to distract them.
Your childcare routines and the
demands of your children are very
specific and – no matter how well you
know your friends – theirs is likely to
be very different. So, before you set
off, sit down with your friends and talk
through each other’s daily routines:
the time your children wake, what they
eat, your bedtime routine. This means
there’ll be no surprises and, hopefully,
no friction.
Doctors have established a pretty
strong link between a child’s lack of
sleep and obesity.
Sleep-deprived children are more likely
to pile on the pounds because they are
up longer and because they are tired
they crave sugary foods which again
makes them put on weight.
Set amongst colourful gardens, this welcoming resort in Cyprus ensures that every
member of the family has a memorable time. The crèche caters beautifully for babies and
toddlers, whereas children will love the dedicated Penguin Village, whilst parents can slip
away for watersports and the spa.
A study from New Zealand earlier this
year showed that those who didn’t get
enough sleep in the early years of life
were more likely to grow up fat.
Price: from £1470 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
CHILDREN & BEYOND – ABAMA
The ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort sits majestically on the sunny west coast of Tenerife with its own
golden sandy beach and views out to the ocean. It is an exclusive enclave which is a paradise for
parents and children alike. The kids club offers inventive activities, such as pebble painting, pirate
parties and cookery. The 18 hole golf course, tennis club and spa mean happy parents too
Price: from £2280 for a family of four,
staying 7 nights bed & breakfast, excluding flights
Contact the Tots Too team for their advice on the perfect luxury holiday
for
family:
32 your
winter
2011 | 020 7284 3344 or [email protected] l www.totstoo.com
Every additional hour of sleep per night
between the age of three and five was
associated with a drop in Body Mass
Index of 0.49 and a 61 per cent reduced
danger of being overweight or obese
by the time they were seven.
But now for the good news: There’s
plenty you can do to help your child
sleep and, with a little bit of patience,
you can turn the situation around
fairly quickly.
Don’t underestimate the effectiveness
of reading them a story. It will relax
them and again give them a clear
signal it’s time to sleep. It’s also a
great bonding experience for parent
and child.
These may sound like simple solutions
but they are tried and tested and
can provide the difference between
a happy and healthy child and one
who isn’t. And don’t forget: it’ll create
happy parents too.
Q Some friends of ours have invited my
husband and I and our three-year-old
son and nine-month-old daughter to
go on holiday with them next year. It’s
very tempting as they have two young
children too but I hear lots of horror
stories about holidaying with friends
and their children. Should we go?
A First of all, forget the idea that
doubling the amount of adults will
automatically halve the amount of
childcare you’ll be doing. It just doesn’t
work like that. Holidaying with friends
and their children can often sound like
Then remember it’s a holiday for
you adults as well as your children.
Maybe agree in advance to babysit
each other’s children for an evening.
It’ll give you all a diversion and some
grown-up time to look forward
to and plan.
Then try to give you and your family
some quality time. It’s good to spend
time with friends but it’s very important
you get to enjoy time as a family.
Maybe schedule a family day out
without your friends. Again, talk
about this before you go so everyone
is clear about what they want out of
the holiday.
But most of all, trust your instinct. If
the holiday feels right, then with a little
bit of planning and open talking I’m
sure you’ll have a great time and – who
knows – you may go again next year.
| winter 2011
33
Health
how Children’s doc
Around the clock
saved baby Aiden
solving
women’s
health
problems
WHEN Aiden Tamberlin was
unable to keep any food down for four
days, his parents were concerned he
was seriously ill.
The 14-month-old was becoming
increasingly despondent and tired, and
his condition was worsening.
On the recommendation of their family
doctor, his parents Melanie and Layton
called the Portland Hospital’s new Doc
Around the Clock service, which offers
urgent medical out-patient appointments
24 hours a day.
By Sophie Goodchild
Women are often too busy
juggling work and home life to seek
help for sensitive health problems such
as painful periods or bladder weakness.
Yet doctors can often remedy them
with straightforward treatment.
Here are four common issues that
women experience, and advice
on how to resolve them.
cycle. But Mr Gurminder Matharu,
consultant gynaecologist at the Heart
of England NHS Foundation Trust, says
GPs should really be asking women
how their quality of life is affected.
“If the pain is so severe you must take
time off work or you can’t do normal
things then it’s time to get help,”
he says.
Urinary stress incontinence
Pregnancy and childbirth can put
an abnormal strain on pelvic floor
muscles, making them weak. The result
can be leakage of urine from your
bladder just by exercising, coughing
or sneezing.
Treatments include non-hormonal
drugs which help the blood clot.
The Mirena coil is another popular
solution to making periods less heavy.
It releases the hormone progesterone
which prevents the womb lining from
thickening every month.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are the
best solution. Simply tighten the
muscles as if you’re trying to stop the
flow of urine. Slowly count to 10 while
you tense the muscle, then count to
10 while you relax again. Repeat this 10
times and do at least 10 times a day. Liz
Laverick, women’s health specialist at
the Portland, says it’s vital women do
the exercises properly. “You need to
do them for about four months.
They’re easy to do – you can even
do them in the Post Office queue.”
Ovarian cysts
These fluid-filled sacs which develop
on or inside the ovary can occur at any
time in life. An ultrasound check or
blood test is used to detect them and
size varies, as do symptoms.
“They can measure anything from 1cm
to a rugby-ball and some women have
pain, others don’t. However,
there’s no evidence that cysts affect
fertility,” says Mr Matharu.
Problem periods
The strict definition of heavy or
‘problem’ periods is losing more
than 80ml of blood per menstrual
34
winter 2011 |
Cysts can just disappear on their own,
but those that persist can be removed
using keyhole surgery. The mini-pill is
another treatment for women who are
not trying for a baby.
Womb prolapse
This is a common problem for women
who’ve had a baby and occurs when
the muscles supporting the pelvic
tissues become weak and damaged so
gravity forces the uterus downwards.
“Some women describe it as a lump
or a heavy feeling, like a hernia,” says
Mr Matharu.
His advice to new mothers is to wait
six months because their muscle
strength may improve. With advanced
conditions, doctors can fit a ring
pessary which doesn’t stop you
enjoying sex or getting pregnant.
Otherwise, an operation can be
carried out to remove excess skin,
or for those women who don’t want
any more children, mesh is inserted
into the vagina.
The couple received prompt, reassuring
and helpful advice.
“I immediately got through to the
right people who were able to get
me an appointment with Consultant
Paediatrician Dr Ahmed Massoud within
four hours at 7.30pm,” explains Melanie.
“They checked my son’s condition was
not critical and offered an appointment
immediately if I felt it was necessary
but I decided it could wait until the
agreed time.”
Checks carried out by Dr Massoud
revealed Aiden was dehydrated,
congested, had dry lips and his chest was
making a crackling noise. Concerned by
the symptoms, he decided to admit him
to the children’s ward at the Portland
Hospital just across the road.
Further tests and a chest X-ray were
carried out quickly and by 11pm they
had the results – Aiden had a partially
collapsed lung and pneumonia.
For more information
on pelvic floor exercises,
go to www.nhs.uk/livewell/
incontinence
Melanie said: “Dr Massoud was still at the
hospital and talked me and my husband
through the results, speaking so calmly
that it kept us calm.
“In less than seven hours, we had
a diagnosis, treatment started and
an accurate prognosis – all of which
happened ‘after hours’. It was a
fantastic service.”
Aiden, now two, was prescribed a threeday course of intravenous antibiotics and,
after just 24 hours, was his usual happy
self, eating and smiling.
Although the couple would not want
to go through the experience again,
they were delighted with the care
and attention they received at
The Portland Hospital.
Real Life Story
“It is not an
experience any of us
would want to go
through again, but
it was made so much
better by the staff,
facilities and speed
of service offered by
The Portland.”
“The nurses and doctors were full
of care and attention throughout our
time there, and Dr Massoud seemed
always to be on hand when we needed
him,” said Melanie.
“It is not an experience any of us would
want to go through again, but it was
made so much better by the staff,
facilities and speed of service offered
by the Portland.”
Dr Ahmed Massoud, Consultant
Paediatrician and Endocrinologist, added:
“Accessing expert private medical care for
one’s child at short notice can be difficult.
The new Children’s Doc Around The Clock
goes a long way to address this problem.
“Aiden’s story is a good example of how
this service works. His parents were
able to secure a private outpatient
appointment at short notice and, with the
back-up of The Portland Hospital private
in-patient facility, Aiden was investigated
and treated promptly, making a stressful
and worrying situation for parents much
easier to cope with.”
www.theportlandhospital.com/
childrensdocaroundtheclock
AVAILABLE 24/7 – 365 DAYS A YEAR
24HR URGENT MEDICAL CARE
Call us on 020 7390 8022
| winter 2011
35
Health
how Children’s doc
Around the clock
saved baby Aiden
solving
women’s
health
problems
WHEN Aiden Tamberlin was
unable to keep any food down for four
days, his parents were concerned he
was seriously ill.
The 14-month-old was becoming
increasingly despondent and tired, and
his condition was worsening.
On the recommendation of their family
doctor, his parents Melanie and Layton
called the Portland Hospital’s new Doc
Around the Clock service, which offers
urgent medical out-patient appointments
24 hours a day.
By Sophie Goodchild
Women are often too busy
juggling work and home life to seek
help for sensitive health problems such
as painful periods or bladder weakness.
Yet doctors can often remedy them
with straightforward treatment.
Here are four common issues that
women experience, and advice
on how to resolve them.
cycle. But Mr Gurminder Matharu,
consultant gynaecologist at the Heart
of England NHS Foundation Trust, says
GPs should really be asking women
how their quality of life is affected.
“If the pain is so severe you must take
time off work or you can’t do normal
things then it’s time to get help,”
he says.
Urinary stress incontinence
Pregnancy and childbirth can put
an abnormal strain on pelvic floor
muscles, making them weak. The result
can be leakage of urine from your
bladder just by exercising, coughing
or sneezing.
Treatments include non-hormonal
drugs which help the blood clot.
The Mirena coil is another popular
solution to making periods less heavy.
It releases the hormone progesterone
which prevents the womb lining from
thickening every month.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are the
best solution. Simply tighten the
muscles as if you’re trying to stop the
flow of urine. Slowly count to 10 while
you tense the muscle, then count to
10 while you relax again. Repeat this 10
times and do at least 10 times a day. Liz
Laverick, women’s health specialist at
the Portland, says it’s vital women do
the exercises properly. “You need to
do them for about four months.
They’re easy to do – you can even
do them in the Post Office queue.”
Ovarian cysts
These fluid-filled sacs which develop
on or inside the ovary can occur at any
time in life. An ultrasound check or
blood test is used to detect them and
size varies, as do symptoms.
“They can measure anything from 1cm
to a rugby-ball and some women have
pain, others don’t. However,
there’s no evidence that cysts affect
fertility,” says Mr Matharu.
Problem periods
The strict definition of heavy or
‘problem’ periods is losing more
than 80ml of blood per menstrual
34
winter 2011 |
Cysts can just disappear on their own,
but those that persist can be removed
using keyhole surgery. The mini-pill is
another treatment for women who are
not trying for a baby.
Womb prolapse
This is a common problem for women
who’ve had a baby and occurs when
the muscles supporting the pelvic
tissues become weak and damaged so
gravity forces the uterus downwards.
“Some women describe it as a lump
or a heavy feeling, like a hernia,” says
Mr Matharu.
His advice to new mothers is to wait
six months because their muscle
strength may improve. With advanced
conditions, doctors can fit a ring
pessary which doesn’t stop you
enjoying sex or getting pregnant.
Otherwise, an operation can be
carried out to remove excess skin,
or for those women who don’t want
any more children, mesh is inserted
into the vagina.
The couple received prompt, reassuring
and helpful advice.
“I immediately got through to the
right people who were able to get
me an appointment with Consultant
Paediatrician Dr Ahmed Massoud within
four hours at 7.30pm,” explains Melanie.
“They checked my son’s condition was
not critical and offered an appointment
immediately if I felt it was necessary
but I decided it could wait until the
agreed time.”
Checks carried out by Dr Massoud
revealed Aiden was dehydrated,
congested, had dry lips and his chest was
making a crackling noise. Concerned by
the symptoms, he decided to admit him
to the children’s ward at the Portland
Hospital just across the road.
Further tests and a chest X-ray were
carried out quickly and by 11pm they
had the results – Aiden had a partially
collapsed lung and pneumonia.
For more information
on pelvic floor exercises,
go to www.nhs.uk/livewell/
incontinence
Melanie said: “Dr Massoud was still at the
hospital and talked me and my husband
through the results, speaking so calmly
that it kept us calm.
“In less than seven hours, we had
a diagnosis, treatment started and
an accurate prognosis – all of which
happened ‘after hours’. It was a
fantastic service.”
Aiden, now two, was prescribed a threeday course of intravenous antibiotics and,
after just 24 hours, was his usual happy
self, eating and smiling.
Although the couple would not want
to go through the experience again,
they were delighted with the care
and attention they received at
The Portland Hospital.
Real Life Story
“It is not an
experience any of us
would want to go
through again, but
it was made so much
better by the staff,
facilities and speed
of service offered by
The Portland.”
“The nurses and doctors were full
of care and attention throughout our
time there, and Dr Massoud seemed
always to be on hand when we needed
him,” said Melanie.
“It is not an experience any of us would
want to go through again, but it was
made so much better by the staff,
facilities and speed of service offered
by the Portland.”
Dr Ahmed Massoud, Consultant
Paediatrician and Endocrinologist, added:
“Accessing expert private medical care for
one’s child at short notice can be difficult.
The new Children’s Doc Around The Clock
goes a long way to address this problem.
“Aiden’s story is a good example of how
this service works. His parents were
able to secure a private outpatient
appointment at short notice and, with the
back-up of The Portland Hospital private
in-patient facility, Aiden was investigated
and treated promptly, making a stressful
and worrying situation for parents much
easier to cope with.”
www.theportlandhospital.com/
childrensdocaroundtheclock
AVAILABLE 24/7 – 365 DAYS A YEAR
24HR URGENT MEDICAL CARE
Call us on 020 7390 8022
| winter 2011
35
Toys and Books
Toys and Books
The Artist Who Painted
a Blue Horse picture book
by Eric Carle
£12.99, www.puffin.co.uk
Holographic Sticker Scratcherz
£21.95, Harrods, 0845 605 1234
www.harrods.com
Ladybird Favourite Fairy Tales
for Girls, £9.99, www.penguin.co.uk
John Jaques Royal Guards
garden skittles, £39.95, Harrods,
0845 605 1234, www.harrods.com
Toy Stories
Retro stamp kit
£19.20, Oh Baby London,
020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield
75th Anniversary Edition by Cath Kidston
£15, www.puffin.co.uk
Nodding animals
£3 each, Oh Baby London,
020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
Brio push-along large race car
£199, Selfridges, 0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
36
winter 2011 |
| winter 2011
37
Toys and Books
Toys and Books
The Artist Who Painted
a Blue Horse picture book
by Eric Carle
£12.99, www.puffin.co.uk
Holographic Sticker Scratcherz
£21.95, Harrods, 0845 605 1234
www.harrods.com
Ladybird Favourite Fairy Tales
for Girls, £9.99, www.penguin.co.uk
John Jaques Royal Guards
garden skittles, £39.95, Harrods,
0845 605 1234, www.harrods.com
Toy Stories
Retro stamp kit
£19.20, Oh Baby London,
020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield
75th Anniversary Edition by Cath Kidston
£15, www.puffin.co.uk
Nodding animals
£3 each, Oh Baby London,
020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
Brio push-along large race car
£199, Selfridges, 0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
36
winter 2011 |
| winter 2011
37
directory
Portland Hospital Contacts
Children’s Services
020 7390 8020
Maternity Services
020 7390 6068
Women’s Health Services
020 7390 6200
24 hour Children’s Doc
Around the Clock
020 7390 8022
Anita Maternity
020 8446 7478
www.anita.com
Eve Lom
020 8740 2076
www.evelom.com
Harrods
0845 605 1234
www.harrods.com
Babes with Babies
020 7100 1100
www.babeswithbabies.com
Ferm Living
01993 867078
www.95percent.co.uk
Harvey Nichols
0845 604 1888
www.harveynichols.com
Baby Concierge
020 8964 5500
www.babyconcierge.co.uk
Biscuiteers
08704 588 358
www.biscuiteers.com
Gant
020 7201 2942
www.gantuk.com
Cath Kidston
08450 262 440
www.cathkidston.co.uk
Greycoat Childcare
& Education
020 7233 9950
www.greycoatchildcare.
co.uk
Chanel
020 7493 3836
www.chanel.com
www.theportlandhospital.com
Fifi Wilson
020 7240 2121
www.fifiwilson.co.uk
Crave Maternity
0844 381 4998
www.cravematernity.co.uk
Heals
08700 240 780
www.heals.co.uk
Imagethirst
020 7323 5999
www.imagethirst.com
Louise Parker Personal Training
0800 084 2828
www.louiseparkerpersonal
training.com
Matches
0845 6025 612
www.matchesfashion.com
Mini Boden
0845 677 5000
www.boden.co.uk
Mountain Buggy
www.mountainbuggy.com
Joanna Wood
020 7730 5064
www.joannawood.co.uk
My Wardrobe
0845 260 3880
www.my-wardrobe.com
JoJo Maman Bébé
0871 423 5656
www.jojomamanbebe.
co.uk
National Army Museum
020 7730 0717
www.nam.ac.uk
9 London
020 7730 1318
www.9london.com
Nosh
www.noshdetox.com
0845 257 6674
Oh Baby London
020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
Oliver Bonas
020 8974 0110
www.oliverbonas.com
Paul Smith
00800 222 444 55
www.paulsmith.co.uk
Penguin Books
www.penguin.co.uk
Phil and Teds
www.philandteds.com
Pink Label London
020 8438 2000
www.pinklabellondon.com
Who’s Going to Look After You?
Congratulations on your wonderful
event! The period right after having
a baby is the most difficult. It takes
time to create a new rhythm, and fit
yourself in around the baby. Your
body doesn’t work the same way it
did before your baby. And it really
doesn’t look the same.
38
winter 2011 |
Who is going to look after and
nurture you while you look after
and nurture your baby?
Well, that’s what I and my team at
Nosh will do for you. From tomorrow.
Ring us on 0845 257 6674 and we will
set your personal Post Pregnancy Plan.
Quintessentially Gifts
0845 224 2617
www.quintessentiallygifts.com
Ralph Lauren
0203 450 7750
www.ralphlauren.co.uk
Royal Shakespeare Company
www.matildathemusical.com
Isabella Oliver
0844 844 0448
www.isabellaoliver.com
Laura Mercier
020 8740 2085
www.spacenk.co.uk
Puffin Books
www.puffin.co.uk
Selfridges
0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
Seraphine
0844 287 0001
www.seraphine.com
Silver Cross
0845 8726900
www.silvercross.co.uk
Smythson
0845 873 2435
www.smythson.com
Stella McCartney Kids
0800 026 0226
www.stellamccartneykids.co.uk
Tots Too
020 7284 3344
www.totstoo.com
V&A Museum of Childhood
020 8983 5200
www.vam.ac.uk
Wellies and Worms
0845 459 9230
www.welliesandworms.co.uk
Weymouth Street Paediatric
Dentistry
020 7580 5370
www.paediatric-dentistry.co.uk
Wrightson & Platt
020 7639 9085
www.wrightsonandplatt.com
It will be full of all the nutrients you
need to look after you and make you
feel wonderful and strong and in
control of your body. So you can
look after baby.
Quote PREG001 and get 15% off your
first week on the programme as a
‘Welcome Home’ gift to you”.
Printed by Belmont Press
in compliance to ISO 14001
Environmental Management System
| winter 2011
39
directory
Portland Hospital Contacts
Children’s Services
020 7390 8020
Maternity Services
020 7390 6068
Women’s Health Services
020 7390 6200
24 hour Children’s Doc
Around the Clock
020 7390 8022
Anita Maternity
020 8446 7478
www.anita.com
Eve Lom
020 8740 2076
www.evelom.com
Harrods
0845 605 1234
www.harrods.com
Babes with Babies
020 7100 1100
www.babeswithbabies.com
Ferm Living
01993 867078
www.95percent.co.uk
Harvey Nichols
0845 604 1888
www.harveynichols.com
Baby Concierge
020 8964 5500
www.babyconcierge.co.uk
Biscuiteers
08704 588 358
www.biscuiteers.com
Gant
020 7201 2942
www.gantuk.com
Cath Kidston
08450 262 440
www.cathkidston.co.uk
Greycoat Childcare
& Education
020 7233 9950
www.greycoatchildcare.
co.uk
Chanel
020 7493 3836
www.chanel.com
www.theportlandhospital.com
Fifi Wilson
020 7240 2121
www.fifiwilson.co.uk
Crave Maternity
0844 381 4998
www.cravematernity.co.uk
Heals
08700 240 780
www.heals.co.uk
Imagethirst
020 7323 5999
www.imagethirst.com
Louise Parker Personal Training
0800 084 2828
www.louiseparkerpersonal
training.com
Matches
0845 6025 612
www.matchesfashion.com
Mini Boden
0845 677 5000
www.boden.co.uk
Mountain Buggy
www.mountainbuggy.com
Joanna Wood
020 7730 5064
www.joannawood.co.uk
My Wardrobe
0845 260 3880
www.my-wardrobe.com
JoJo Maman Bébé
0871 423 5656
www.jojomamanbebe.
co.uk
National Army Museum
020 7730 0717
www.nam.ac.uk
9 London
020 7730 1318
www.9london.com
Nosh
www.noshdetox.com
0845 257 6674
Oh Baby London
020 7247 4949
www.ohbabylondon.com
Oliver Bonas
020 8974 0110
www.oliverbonas.com
Paul Smith
00800 222 444 55
www.paulsmith.co.uk
Penguin Books
www.penguin.co.uk
Phil and Teds
www.philandteds.com
Pink Label London
020 8438 2000
www.pinklabellondon.com
Who’s Going to Look After You?
Congratulations on your wonderful
event! The period right after having
a baby is the most difficult. It takes
time to create a new rhythm, and fit
yourself in around the baby. Your
body doesn’t work the same way it
did before your baby. And it really
doesn’t look the same.
38
winter 2011 |
Who is going to look after and
nurture you while you look after
and nurture your baby?
Well, that’s what I and my team at
Nosh will do for you. From tomorrow.
Ring us on 0845 257 6674 and we will
set your personal Post Pregnancy Plan.
Quintessentially Gifts
0845 224 2617
www.quintessentiallygifts.com
Ralph Lauren
0203 450 7750
www.ralphlauren.co.uk
Royal Shakespeare Company
www.matildathemusical.com
Isabella Oliver
0844 844 0448
www.isabellaoliver.com
Laura Mercier
020 8740 2085
www.spacenk.co.uk
Puffin Books
www.puffin.co.uk
Selfridges
0800 123 400
www.selfridges.com
Seraphine
0844 287 0001
www.seraphine.com
Silver Cross
0845 8726900
www.silvercross.co.uk
Smythson
0845 873 2435
www.smythson.com
Stella McCartney Kids
0800 026 0226
www.stellamccartneykids.co.uk
Tots Too
020 7284 3344
www.totstoo.com
V&A Museum of Childhood
020 8983 5200
www.vam.ac.uk
Wellies and Worms
0845 459 9230
www.welliesandworms.co.uk
Weymouth Street Paediatric
Dentistry
020 7580 5370
www.paediatric-dentistry.co.uk
Wrightson & Platt
020 7639 9085
www.wrightsonandplatt.com
It will be full of all the nutrients you
need to look after you and make you
feel wonderful and strong and in
control of your body. So you can
look after baby.
Quote PREG001 and get 15% off your
first week on the programme as a
‘Welcome Home’ gift to you”.
Printed by Belmont Press
in compliance to ISO 14001
Environmental Management System
| winter 2011
39
www.silvercross.co.uk
DESIGN
AWARDS 2011
BEST BUGGY/PUSHCHAIR DESIGN
WINNER
40
winter 2011 |
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