I am a Postpartum Doula, Birth and Parenting Educator and Coach, I have a particular interest in supporting parents with normal infant sleep and toddler behaviour. In 2012 I trained with both: Sarah Ockwell Smith - Psychologist with a specialism in Child Development - Formerly … [Read more...]
Child Of Mine – Birth Loss Awareness Week
Why I am urging everyone to go and watch the screening of Child of Mine. Baby Loss Awareness Week. 09th - 15th October 2018 After much deliberation, debate and deep thought I decided to purchase my ticket for the screening of Child of mine, being hosted at the Arts theatre, Cambridge on … [Read more...]
To my stepchildren – from your (not so wicked) stepmother
To my 3 stepchildren. I'm writing this open letter because I feel strongly that I want to record my feelings at this time. Sometimes being a step family is bloody hard. My heart breaks often when I listen to the things you have to say about being part of a separated family. Ok, at … [Read more...]
Talking to children about Terrorism and Extremism
Are you really keeping your children out of the divorce?
Are you really keeping your children out of the divorce? The answer is most likely to be No. Even those that think they are putting their children's needs first are most likely not, because it takes great strength of character and emotional awareness to do so, and unfortunately most adults do not … [Read more...]
Why I try not to shout at my children
I I have spent the entire day feeling seriously cheesed off. I am annoyed with myself. I am tired, currently working nights and I spent my previous evening off attempting to engage in conversation with some people on facebook that had a different opinion to me - Yep - I chose that - instead … [Read more...]
He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice, he’s going to find out whose naughty or nice………
This blogpost has now moved to:- Calm Family - Guest Blog … [Read more...]
Motherhood or Stock Replenishment??
New Year reflections have caused me to recognise that for one reason or another, mainly that huge, overwhelming thing called 'life' I have started to lose sight of many of my parenting values and goals and my own personal goals in recent months. Of late I have begun to feel very overwhelmed and … [Read more...]
Tell me a good birth story – Guest blog!
Two and a half years after my son’s premature birth I found myself pregnant again. Having suffered postnatal depression and post traumatic shock after my first birthing experience I was nervous that it would affect my second, especially since I knew the impact that fear can have on labour and birth. … [Read more...]
Train Your Baby Like a Dog – No – Just No!
I've resurrected an article I wrote back in 2014 because I've just learned of a programme being aired on Channel 4 on August 20th called 'Train your baby like a dog'. Frankly, I'm horrified it's being given air time..... "Dog trainer and behaviourist Jo-Rosie Haffenden believes we … [Read more...]