My reason for writing; the amazingly talented, Roald Dahl

This week, many schools have been celebrating Roald Dahl dress up day. As someone who used to work in teaching, I'm a little jealous that I'm no longer in the classroom to witness the children (and staff!) in their finery and dressed as some amazing characters. If I were to get dressed up, I'd likely to get dressed as the Grand High Witch from The Witches or Mrs Twit from The Twits. 

In my youth, Roald Dahl was my go to author. I owned a wide collection of his books and used to get lost in them; with some amazing language and use of description, I'd often feel like I was a part of the story. Be it as an onlooker, but they really captured me and my imagination. 

Roald Dahl is the key reason why I love to write. Why I aspire to write more and complete further writing projects on a range of subjects. So today, I thank him for inspiring me. RIP Roald Dahl, an inspirational man and a first class writer.

The Cakeaway South Shields

Earlier this week, I entered a competition on Facebook and won a cake! I promptly received a full Cornflake Cake delivered directly to my door (within an hour of being notified!)

Anyone who knows me will know of my love of cakes and puddings, so I was really looking forward to receiving it. A day without cake is a day wasted!

This was a real retro sweet treat. With a fab sweet pastry base, lashings of jam and topped with cornflakes and gooey syrup, what's not to love? A real blast from the past, evoking great memories of childhood and school dinners. We'll definitely be ordering from The Cakeaway again. 

The Cakeaway South Shields are a company who deliver a wide variety of desserts including a range of cakes, ice cream sundaes, donuts and milkshakes. Deliveries take place from 5pm each evening to all areas of South Tyneside. 

https://m.facebook.com/cakeawaysouthshields

Potty training; when is it the right time?

Potty training your child can be quite a contentious parenting issue. Potty train too early and you run the risk of a child having multiple 'accidents', a child not understanding what's expected of them or from my own experience of working with children, negative connotations and issues such as withholding and refusing to go. Or leave it 'too late' and you're branded lazy and inadequate as a parent.

Potty training is one of many milestones that a child will be expected to achieve; however I don't believe that parents should come under criticism for the parenting choices that they make with regards to potty training. With our eldest, we simply waited until he was ready, could understand what was expected of him and didn't force the issue. 

Some people may have said that I'd left it too late, however when we tried when he was around 2 1/2 and just before he was 3, he simply wasn't ready. A couple of months after he was 3, he showed a lot more signs of readiness, so we went for it. It was far simpler than I imagined; as it was the right time for him developmentally. He's now dry both day and night, with infrequent accidents.

So, some things that worked for us;

* Have a potty readily available in places that your child regularly plays, we kept ours in the living room.

* Choose a character potty or buy a plain one and add stickers. Noah decided that he wanted a blue Peppa Pig potty (that didn't exist in the shops!) so we bought stickers and a plain blue one.

* Take your child shopping to buy underwear. We opted for bright colours and character undies (he didn't want to get George Pig or Thomas The Tank wet!) 

* Gentle encouragement and reminders of when to go to 'try'. Don't make a huge deal out of it.

* Don't get stressed when accidents occur, it'll only be for a short time. 

* Encourage your child to vocalise or sign when they need to go.

* Your child should wear clothes that make going to the toilet easily accessible; elasticated waist trousers, jeans or jogging bottoms are ideal. 

* We bought pull ups for evenings, but found that these caused some confusion. So personally, we've avoided them and luckily he's been dry most nights after the first week of toilet training.

* A sticker chart is a great way to visually see their successes. A sticker for every successful toilet trip may work.

Do it in good humour, as there will be accidents/exploration and your carpets may end up covered in your child's bodily fluids. It's easily cleaned up (bicarbonate of soda removes both smells and a Vax carpet cleaner has been invaluable!) Good luck! What's your best potty training tip?

The Unsung Heroes Of My Breastfeeding Journeys

Today, to conclude World Breastfeeding Week, I'd like to celebrate some individuals and organisations who have supported me throughout my breastfeeding journeys.

Firstly, my own mam. As a mother who has breastfed her own offspring, she has firsthand knowledge and experience of feeding. Always there, giving support, advice and geeing me on when I've felt like giving up. Even though she thought I was insane being hooked up to a breast pump so much, she gave unrivalled support. She's relished seeing her grandsons growing up to be happy and healthy on mummy's milk.

Organisations such as La Leche League are amazing. There's always someone day and night to give assistance and advice. I've had a few times when I've attended meetings or contacted them via Facebook for advice and they've been amazing. When you're sitting at home with ridiculously engorged breasts and in pain, LLL are on hand to take you step by step through it. 

Local Breastfeeding Peer support workers are a great help. Coming round to your home in the early days for a chat and talking through your journey and giving support where needed, passing on contact details on where to seek out support and giving ideas on positioning and discussing your concerns. Lovely ladies with hearts of gold!

Finally, my husband. As an avid advocate of breastfeeding, he's been a constant support throughout. In the early days with my firstborn, he praised my efforts of feeding, shared my frustrations and stresses when baby couldn't latch. Moreover, he surrounded me with love and humour at a time when I was doubting my own body's ability to feed my child. As I ended up expressing long term, he was always keen to wash bottles, bag and freeze milk (he also bought me a gift of a chest freezer for milk and named it 'The Booby Freezer'), cleaned my breast pump and most importantly, provide me with snacks and drinks when I was glued to the sofa. This time round, he's had it easier; no bottles, just boob. (So he's been delegated our toddlers bedtime! Rather him than me, as he's a monkey!) 

Thank you all for your support!

Extended Breastfeeding

As World Breastfeeding Week comes to a close, I'd like to share with you my thoughts about extended breastfeeding. 

Extended Breastfeeding is simply feeding beyond 12 months. I'm still currently feeding my youngest at 13 months. I've heard a lot of comments from people recently regarding when we're going to stop feeding 'now that he's 1'. Well, in summary, we're going to continue feeding as long as we both feel comfortable and happy about the situation. Whether that be for another month or another year, that's fine by me. They're only small for a short while and he's still gaining a lot of nutrition and comfort from feeding.

So, why feed beyond a year? They've got teeth, they're eating food and often can ask for milk and eek, walk! Yes, I'm feeding a little one who can walk and can sign for milk. 

Here are some facts about feeding beyond infancy (taken from www.babycentre.co.uk;

Why is breastfeeding my toddler a good thing?

Even though your child is now getting most of his nutrition from solid food, breastmilk still provides immunity from some illnesses, as well as nutrients and vitamins. Breastfed toddlers get ill less often than those who aren't.

If your child is ill, breastmilk may be the only thing he feels like having, or the only food that he can keep down. You'll feel better too, knowing that you're helping him to fight the illness. 

As your child matures, breastfeeding lets you comfort and feel close to him. The strong attachment your child feels with you while feeding will actually help him to be independent, rather than clingy. Forcing a child to stop breastfeeding before he's ready won't necessarily create a more confident child.

Toddlers are always on the go, so breastfeeding gives you both a chance to take time out. It's a good way for you to relax and give your child your undivided attention. The feel-good effects of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin may help you to feel calm and connected with your child.

If you travel a lot, breastfeeding is much easier than carrying around milk, or worrying about having to buy supplies at your destination. And when you're staying away from home, the comfort of your breast may be the best way to soothe any fears. 

So next time you see a mum feeding her little one (who looks a little older than infancy) don't react with a shocked face, an inappropriate remark or a head shake. She's merely mothering her child in the way that she believes is best for her child. 

My youngest's feeding pattern varies, however he's gradually cutting back on feeds and tends to feed on a morning, nap time, before bed and a couple of times during the night. As a family, we're content with this situation and raising a happy, healthy toddler. 

My take on World Breastfeeding Week!

In homage to World Breastfeeding Week, I thought I'd write a lighthearted piece about the realities of feeding. I'm currently feeding my 13 month old. 

1. Forge a good relationship with your postman or delivery driver. It's likely in your sleep deprived status, you'll flash at him when receiving your parcels. Worse still, accidentally spray him. My postie has witnessed some sights when delivering my Amazon bargains. Poor bloke!

2. In the early days, you'll spend a lot of time looking like you're entering a wet t shirt competition. With engorgement and excess milk, you'll likely compete with Pamela Anderson. I had a paediatric nurse laugh at how huge my boobs were 4 days post partum, they were like from a Carry On sketch! 

3. You'll find yourself shopping and trying on clothes and contorting yourself into strange positions to see if you can retrieve your boob. I bellowed to a friend, "well this dress is no good, I can't get my boobs out!" The elderly gentlemen waiting for his wife was a little taken aback by my outburst. I've recently discovered a Facebook group called Can I breastfeed in it? UK; where mums recommend clothes to each other that are perfect for feeding in and still remain stylish. It's costing me a fortune in pretty dresses, I just need an occasion to wear them to now! My 6 o clock, child induced curfew doesn't really permit a lot of it! 

4. You'll spend a fortune in coffee shops and cafes whilst out and about with baby and seek out the best feeding spots. My personal favourites are Pret and Debenhams.

5. In several places, you may get strange looks whilst feeding, abuse or sarcastic remarks. In some instances, use the opportunity to educate, otherwise ignore and just feed your little one. I've had a few instances of negativity. Even though the temptation is there, try to resist squirting these imbeciles with your milk; it's a waste of milk!

6. Feeding a toddler is a completely different ball game. The array of stretches your child can do whilst continuing to feed is incredible. I'm thinking of enrolling him in a gymnastics course, or sending him to the circus.

7. If you have a frequent feeder, it's very normal to feel 'touched out' sometimes. Make sure to make time for yourself. I've been known to say, "I'm going to have half an hour where nobody is touching me!" in order to overcome this. Note: squirting baby doesn't keep him at bay, it just entices him.

8. Oh, so your baby has teeth, you should stop feeding is a common remark I've heard. He's had teeth since 6 months, but it would be counterproductive if he bit me. His latch doesn't involve his teeth. In 13 months, he's bitten once and that was due to him sneezing. Yes, it hurt, but I'm alive to tell the tale!

9. Be prepared for bra shopping to be a nightmare, especially if you've got a larger bust. Nursing bras often resemble something your grandma would wear, so seek out pretty brands; Hotmilk and Cake Lingerie have lovely ranges!

10. Be prepared for a barrage of questions from friends and family; here are some of the most common;

* Are you still feeding?

* How long will you feed for?

* How often does he feed?

* Have you tasted your milk?

* Does he eat any food? (At 13 months I'm still asked this ridiculous question!)

* When are you going to go out drinking again? (Bottle refuser baby!)

* Are you allowed that glass of wine?

* Are you eating cake again?

In our home, it's natural and normal, it's not a taboo and it shouldn't ever be. It's simply feeding; I'm not a Superhero, I'm just a mum doing what I think is best for my baby. 

Feel free to share this with your mummy friends!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!

8 years ago, I married my lovely husband. After 6 years together, we'd planned our big day and it was time for me to wear the oversized dress (the waist would probably fit my ankles now!) and him to wear the quirky top hat and tails (and the cheesy pocket watch he'd insisted on having... I drew a line at the monocle!) A day that will stay with me forever, the day the we said 'I do' at the altar and celebrated with friends and family.

Over the past 8 years, we've created lots of memories together, travelled and seen some wonderful sights and brought our beautiful boys into the world. 

So today, I'd like to celebrate my husband, Alex; the funny, charming, sarcastic man, who always allows me to get my own way and shares my ridiculously childish sense of humour. Every day is approached with a smile and a laugh. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SZGcNx8nV8U

 

I love you today for who you are and who I am, all because of you. You deserve a medal as big as a bin lid for putting up with me! Happy anniversary, here's to many more years of comedy, eating copious amounts of chocolate and me being The Boss!