Here is a birth mother story. It could be my own mother’s tale. Only she can confirm that. I know she doesn’t understand. She will blame me I am sure. I can’t see her. I can’t face the upset it will cause to my family. What will she expect of me anyway? I can’t be…
Have you heard that a long-term study has pointed to a link between breastfeeding and intelligence? Is there really a link between breastfeeding and IQ? The research in Brazil published in The Lancet Global Health traced nearly 3,500 babies and found those who had been breastfed for longer went on to score higher on IQ…
Birth plans seem like such a good idea when you first hear the concept whether you want natural birthing or as much intervention as possible to relieve pain. As a mum-to-be we have a vague idea that birth might involve a lot of pain and screaming so surely it is best to have a plan….
What are fostering facts and statistics and might they encourage you to look at fostering as a life option? I was fostered at the age of 11 months and adopted a few months later back in 1970. I am always interested to hear about developments in fostering and adoption. Local Authorities, with the support of…
New Year’s Eve has only ever really meant one thing in our house. It is the day my mum was born at 3 minutes to midnight in 1926. I imagine her entering the word and crying and then the fireworks going off. My mom adopted me and Mum died in 2009 and I miss her….
I thought I would kick off the blogging week with a response to the BritMums prompt on expectations around pregnancy by letting you know some of my pregnancy surprises. Here are the things that surprised me. 1. I bonded with my first child as soon as I sensed I was pregnant. I can remember talking to him…
I am picking up now but for much of the day my mood was so low. Black clouds weighing me down. I hate how even with post-natal depression long gone (years ago), I can still be right back in the depths. I am not a nice person to know at such times. I get taciturn…
What does it really feel like to be adopted? It’s a question many people carry quietly, especially women navigating identity, belonging and the emotional legacy of adoption. During National Adoption Week, I wanted to share honest reflections from my own experience — the thoughts, feelings and moments that shaped me. Adoption isn’t one story; it’s…
There are many problems and issues that can be a problem during pregnancy. Some require medical help and treatment, but the more common issues are uncomfortable and frustrating. Here are five common pregnancy issues and what you can do about them. #1 Bladder and bowel issues As well as the weight of a growing baby,…
Firework safety is an important issue all year round with the increasing use of fireworks to mark occasions like Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve. As we are approaching 31 December fast, NCC Home Learning has put together a quiz on firework safety. This quiz is aimed to see if you are aware of the…
Writing matters! I am a writer and when you think about it, most of us are. Consider all the writing you did at school or work. Think about all the notes you have sent to your child’s school. If you juggle many tasks, perhaps you rely on the power of the to do list. Here…
Do you love the sales? It won’t surprise my regular readers that I enjoy getting a bargain. That is why you will often find me in charity shops and occasionally on Ebay. So I was delighted to know there is a website where you can find out all about the sales in different shops covering…
Hospital blunders are irritating at the very least and sometimes downright dangerous. I had no real experience of hospitals until I gave birth to my first child. At one of my first appointments, my records were muddled up with someone of the same name. Understandable perhaps as quite a coincidence that someone with the same…
What is life after depression like? Life after depression isn’t a neat, linear journey, and it certainly isn’t the glossy “bounce back” story we sometimes see online. It’s quieter, slower, and full of small shifts that gradually add up to something meaningful. As I’ve moved through my own recovery, I’ve noticed changes in how I…
Will you create a stir and make mums and the tasks they juggle visible to the wider world with a fun apron? I was delighted when artist Steph contacted me to tell me about her range of textiles. As regular readers know, I am keen to raise the visibility of mums and the work they…