Category: Views & Ramblings

1. #FirstDay - Join the campaign for more midwives, worldwide.

   Posted on 10:33pm Wednesday 26th Feb 2014

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   Yesterday I read about the Save the Children's launch of the #FirstDay campaign.

   Yesterday I was told that 2.9 million babies a year never reach the second month of their life.

   Yesterday I was horrified to learn that over 1 million babies a year don't live to see their second day.

   Yesterday I was thankful that I had qualified midwives to help me and my daughters make the smooth transition from labour, to birth, to life, so that they did have a tomorrow.

   So why am I telling you this? Some of my friends already know the fragility of a new life and while it is an exciting time, it can also be equally as frightening. So the challenge is to write a 100 word post on "what my midwife did to make sure my baby had a second day".

   I took for granted that I would have a "good birth" with my first daughter. I was in a good hospital, with a great reputation and thankfully a calm attitude. I remember almost being left to my own devices because I was so chilled but then my waters broke and everything accelerated, I wasn't so calm, I wasn't so chilled but my midwife wouldn't allow me to panic and talked me through. The little one was rocking in my pelvis, her heart rate was dropping and their was talk of surgical intervention, my midwife knew I didn't want that and encouraged me to carry on. My eldest daughter arrived, naturally and without complication because of that midwife. 

   My second daughter decided that she was going to arrive at home, within 2 hours of labour starting .... she also arrived before the midwives did. But despite her safe and speedy arrival, the midwives were on hand to cut the cord, check her weight and find a small heart murmor.

   Those days maybe a distant memory now but the actions of those midwives made sure I have and continue to create memories with my girls.

   (Okay so that might have been a little more than 100 words)

   So what can we do, aside from writing our own blog posts?

   Save the Children want to:

   •    Save the lives of 2 million newborn babies a year

   •    Ensure that every baby is born with the support of a trained and equipped midwife

   If you’ve got one minute:

   Sign the petition to ask David Cameron to put a global plan into action in 2014 that will ensure every baby is born with the life-saving help of a trained and equipped midwife and use his influence to get world leaders to do the same.

   Text a donation: a donation of £3, the price of a cup of coffee, could save 10 newborn lives by buying 10 tubes of antiseptic cream. Text COFFEE to 70090

    

   Share the link to the newborn campaign online and ask people to take action or donate

   If you’ve got 10 minutes or more:

   - write about the campaign online and why it’s so important that the world acts this year to save newborn lives

   - Join the 100 word challenge blog linky here

   
   If you would like to share this post, please mention @savechildrenuk and #firstday 

2. Little Fun Fest - We have been chosen!

   Posted on 12:14pm Tuesday 25th Feb 2014

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   You may or may not have noticed that we have a shiny spangly new badge on the Lilypad and we are thrilled to say that we are a "Little Fun Fest Blogger Extraordinaire". *sounds fanfare*

   

   What is that baffled face? Do you mean you have no idea what I am talking about?

   I have to admit that I had not heard about Little Fun Fest until after the event last year but I knew that it was something we would want to get involved in. It is basically a festival for the under 10's (and having never actually been to a festival myself, I thought it was a great way to start by taking the whole family) , based around having fun. What is not to love?

   The website says that Little Fun Fest aims to provide funsters with their very own festival experience. Funsters can lose themselves in music, magic, rides, stories and dance. They can enjoy being a child and use their imaginations and energy in beautiful surroundings with other funsters. We want grown ups to join in the fun too, but we also want them to be able to sit back and watch their funsters enjoy a memorable day and take home a permanent smile.

   

   It sounds like there is something for everyone, which is good especially when you have a big age gap between children but whenever I think about festivals, I am always thinking that I can't wear my heels, so I think I am finally going to have to admit defeat and purchase some wellies ..... just to make sure I look the part of course!

   So if you fancy joining us on our Little Fun Fest adventure, tickets for Little Fun Fest can be booked here

   All entertainments and rides are included in the entrance fee.
   
   

   Disclaimer : We have been awarded tickets for our family to go to Little Fun Fest but all opinions are our own, so we will let you know how we get on!

3. Ten things to love about half term

   Posted on 10:20am Friday 21st Feb 2014

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   Half term, some parents love it, while others loathe it. I am not sure if it is the lack of routine or the need to occupy the children 24/7 but it doesn't need to be fraught, as the best thing is there is no school run!

   So after chatting with some friends about what they have enjoyed this week, there are some that say the best thing about half term is the end of it but on the positive side, here are our top ten reasons to love half term.

   1. No School Run. This really needs no further explanation but the thought of a few days without the mad morning dash and the questionable parking by the school gates, that inevitably leads to someone's wing mirror being clipped every day. Road rage, harrassed parents and a traffic warden is not an ideal combination before 9.00am.

   2. Pyjama (or Onesie) Days. Having a lie in maybe an ask too far but what other excuse do you have not to get dressed till lunchtime .... or indeed at all.

   3. Not having a schedule to keep to. Most mornings (and afternoons) are like a military operation in our house so not having to keep to any kind of schedule might mean that the days roll into one but it is lovely not to have to clock watch.

   4. Having time off work. If you are a teacher, you benefit from enjoying the school holidays too or if you book time off to spend with the children, it can be a great way to escape the rat race and just enjoy your time together.

   5. No packed lunches to make. I have to admit that I repeatedly try and get my daughter on hot dinners, especially in winter but apparently my lunches are better than school meals. I fear that this says more about the school meals than my packed lunch prowess! Either way, half term means no morning panic to create an appetising and healthy lunch that they "may" want to eat at lunchtime!

   6. No more Groundhog day arguments. Brush your teeth. Get your shoes on. Have you got your bag. Where is your coat? Every. Single. Day.

   7. Weekday movies. Films are always cheaper in the week, so it is the perfect time to take advantage of great prices and entertainment. (whilst trying to get the children past the popcorn and pix n mix without remortgaging your house). If you want to be even more frugal, you can just download a film at home and watch in your own lounge, just make sure you have a good TV stand to cope with the widescreen TV action.

   

   8. Playing games. Whether it is Pictionary, board games or good old fashioned lego, having the time to sit and play with the children is a great way to reconnect with them .... and your inner child.

   

   9. Enjoying time. With the madness of the daily school routine, the after school clubs, homework, bath, bedtime stories, there is rarely a chance to take time and out actually just enjoy spending time with those little people that you brought into the world. So just enjoy the time.

   10. No School Run ..... Oh did I mention this already?? 

   Would you add anything to the list?

   Thank you so much to the lovely Emma, Andrea, Rebecca, Cat, Jen, Helen, Cas, Sarah, Anya, Helen, Vanessa, Penny, Alice, Annie, Angie, Joy and Cass for a great debate about what is to love and loathe abotu half term!

    

   This post is brought to you in collaboration with Homebase.

4. When age is more than just a number

   Posted on 11:07am Friday 31st Jan 2014

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   I talk a lot about my girls growing up but I never really think about them growing old. It is inevitable obviously and I can't imagine not being here to share in their own children and grandchildren. Age comes to us all and with my own Grandmother turning 89 next month and a good friend's mother in law going into a home, being conscious of the care available is something I am becoming more aware of.

   In-home care

   It is interesting to learn that huge changes are arising for anyone involved with in-home care. Such changes are in place due to various causes, including altering population demographics, new healthcare regulations and the ever-changing and uncertain economic times.

   With over 10,000 people turning 65 everyday (this is an amazing figure), more and more are choosing to retire. New trends indicate that a large proportion of the elderly population are choosing to indulge in assisted living as opposed to retiring in a home. 

   Due to this factor alone, more expertise is being applied to this area, meaning there is now a growing need for individuals to be trained on this.

   

   Independence 

   Instead of migrating to a home by the sea, elderly retirees are choosing to live out their later years in thriving cities, often in assisted living accommodation. Thankfully, due to demand, a number of retirement villages are popping up left, right and centre. Many of these homes boast the likes of in-house help, curved stairlifts and on-site communities. Living in such accommodation allows the older generation to worry less about maintenance responsibilities and more about living life to the full.

   It’s also a great option for those who wish to remain independent whilst having access to help when they need it. This is also a great way to free up a little collateral, which can then be put towards the likes of travel, hobbies and lifestyle changes. (My Grandmother has more holidays than anyone I know!!)

   Alternative therapies 

   It’s no secret that people are living longer in this day and age and this is possible due to an ever-expanding list of alternative therapies. From yoga to video games to green living, seniors are now embracing a variety of diverse therapies as opposed to more traditional retirement rules. I am a huge fan of Reiki and looking after both the mind and the body is more important than ever, especially for seniors.

   Accepting new technologies is certainly one way to keep the mind active, whilst indulging in various workout classes is a great way for the elderly to stay in shape whilst allowing retirees to meet new people, learn new skills and make new friends. We bought my Grandmother a tablet last year, so that she could email us and relatives in Austrailia but a year on, she is not quite confident with it so a class would be great for her.

   Looking further afield

   A number of elderly individuals are now looking to retire in homes further afield. The reason for this – a less costly service that still provides residents with a high quality of living.  

   This is a change set to become even more apparent in 2014, especially with the way in which the economic climate stands. Certain venues abroad are able to cater to those with family members who suffer from the likes of Alzheimer’s and dementia, allowing them with access to the professional care they deserve. 

   Age comes to us all but for me, I just hope that it also brings wisdom (!!) and a retirement home by the sea!

    

   Disclaimer : This post is brought to you in association with Stannah Stairlifts but all elderly relatives with email troubles are our own!