Free Resources - Just chill baby sleep

There are some fabulous free resources out there to support you in your parenting journey, here are a few of our favourites:|

The Lullaby Trust – They do amazing work to provide expert advice on safer sleep for babies and raise awareness of sudden infant death syndrome

NHS Start4Life – NHS guidance and advice for pregnancy, babies and toddlers – from weaning to activities

NHS – A trusted source of information for you and your whole family, covering all aspects of your health and wellbeing

British Red Cross First Aid – A go to resource for First Aid information, includes a wealth of online material and guidance for courses

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Have you used our 1:1 service or our online course

Have you used our 1:1 service or our online courses? Please come and share on this post! ⠀
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💤What would you tell the old you? Before you worked on getting a better night's sleep...⠀
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💤Do you look back and think it was the best thing you ever did? Did you feel guilty or empowered? Is your baby happier and more content as a result? ⠀
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💤So many parents out there are living through unnecessary sleep deprivation. Sometimes exhaustion can cloud our vision, but the bigger picture is worth it. ⠀
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💤Remember it takes time, little tweaks and suggestions can build towards the bigger picture. I know some of you reading this will have seen super fast results too, but don't be discouraged if your little one takes a bit longer. ⠀
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💤Did you ever think that your baby was beyond help? Were you proved wrong?

Happy 1st of the month ! I’ve decided to giveawa

Happy 1st of the month ! I’ve decided to giveaway an online course to 5 lucky winners!!!!!⠀
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All you need to do to enter:⠀
💓like this pic⠀
💓follow me ⠀
💓tag a friend (more tags = more entries)⠀
💓tell me in the comments which course you would like to win:⠀
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🌈Potty training ⠀
🌈0-5 months⠀
🌈6-9 months ⠀
🌈10-18 months ⠀
🌈 19 months - 4 years....⠀
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Good luck 🍀⠀
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***competition closes Weds the 8th of July. Winners will be announced on stories ***⠀
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*** This competition is by no means endorsed by Instagram**

Spotlight on: ⠀ HOW BREASTFEEDING ENDS by @vanes

Spotlight on: ⠀
HOW BREASTFEEDING ENDS by @vanessa_theparentandbabyclinic
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Mama, this is for you and you only to decide!!🤱🏻⠀
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🤱🏼Weaning off the breast happens in 2 ways:⠀
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✨BABY-LED - By taking cues entirely from your baby for when they are ready to slowly wind down and one day simply stop asking for the breast again. It rarely happens before 18m and usually not until 2-3 years or longer. This is very different from a nursing strike, when a baby may stop breastfeeding abruptly for a few days/weeks but will often come back to the breast again and pick up where they left off.⠀
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✨PARENT-LED - if taking charge of the weaning process is the right decision for you here are some quick tips.⠀
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🍈Where possible, avoid going cold turkey. This increases risk of pain, infection, upset (for both of you) and confusion. Take out no more than one feed every 4-6 days (minimum). If you are feeling sore/full it may be too fast.⠀
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🍈Leave fave feeds until last. Sleepy feeds are often the last to go. Depending on age, feeds may need to be replaced with a bottle or cup of milk, or some water and a snack.⠀
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🍈Mix up the routine. Eg If you normally lie in bed in the morning, try to find somewhere different to go or get up and have a snuggle/play somewhere else.⠀
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🍈Keep up lots of physical and eye contact - carrying, massage, tumbling on the floor, co-bathing so she knows you are still just as physically present for her⠀
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🍈Set limits with simple language - useful for toddlers eg “you can feed when we are back home but not here in the park“⠀
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🍈Don’t offer, don’t refuse - another useful strategy for older ones. Don’t sit down and offer a feed. Instead use distraction, snacks etc but if he persists in asking then let him feed.⠀
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🍈If you have to stop quickly, use ice-packs, take anti-inflammatory meds and wear extra layers (eg cotton pads inside your bra) to lessen stimulation. A little expressing may also be necessary. Some meds can help suppress lactation - always spk to a health professional.⠀
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Vanessa is the author of ‘The Baby Feeding Book.

Any questions for us about stopping BF or related sleep???

Another day, another week... Monday here we go! I

Another day, another week... Monday here we go! I do like Monday's. It feels like we get to make a fresh start each week, even if I did feel totally flustered this morning trying to get the girls dressed and find my phone - haha. ⠀
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I also love goal/target setting for the week. It doesn't have to be big, earth shattering stuff. The small, doable things that make you feel like you have achieved something. Even if that's just ticking off that you are all fed and well. ⠀
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My personal goals this week are to:⠀
⭐️Record a new Youtube video for you all. ⠀
⭐️Get to bed earlier.⠀
⭐️Do some more reading aloud with Daisy. ⠀
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What are your goals this week? What would you like to tick off your list most of all? ⠀

A little bit of home schooling today!⠀ ⠀ 🌼T

A little bit of home schooling today!⠀
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🌼The more I learn about the power of our gut, the most fascinated I become. We really enjoyed putting this video together for you, talking all about gut health. I am really passionate about my girls learning to listen to their bodies, and to look after them really well. As I always say – your body is your home, treat it with love and respect.⠀
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🌼Home schooling has been a challenge these past few months, but I try really hard to encourage my girls to love science. Would you believe that in the UK only 25% of STEM graduates are female! Let’s encourage our little ones to learn about the body, keeping healthy and how they can be anything they want to be.⠀
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🌼In this current climate I think we are all looking for way to support our immune systems and our mental health. Research shows us that having a balanced gut flora can help support our immune systems – I have been thinking about this a lot recently. Reducing stress, taking regular exercise and getting adequate sleep helps keep our immune systems working well.⠀
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🌼It is really important to me that @biokult__uk is backed by clinical research.⠀
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Have you ever tried a live bacteria supplement, for you or your little one? Do you have any questions?
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Video produced by @cooperandbear_media
#ad #biolult #guthealth #infantis #whatsyourgutfeeling

It’s getting hot in here… so here are all my t

It’s getting hot in here… so here are all my tips.
⠀ ☀️Keep baby in the shade as much as possible. Cross to the shady side of the street. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Older babies should be kept out of the sun between 11am-3pm. Apply sunscreen to older babies and always put a hat on them. ⠀
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☀️Do not cover prams and buggies with muslins/blankets. This heats them up like a greenhouse effect. A parasol is ideal, or a safety checked cover designed for purpose. ⠀
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☀️Don’t overdress baby.⠀
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☀️Offer water regularly for older babies, a small amount of water for FF babies.⠀
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☀️Breastfed babies under 6 months don’t need water, feed responsively and they will take the extra feeds they need.⠀
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☀️A little paddling pool in the shade is lovely. They will enjoy splashing. ⠀
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☀️If it is very hot in your baby’s room they can just sleep in a vest or nappy. ⠀
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☀️Close the curtains during the day to keep the sun out. Turn on a fan before bedtime. You can put big bottles of frozen water in front of the fan (a mini air con solution!) You can also hang a wet towel over a chair. The evaporating water cools the air. ⠀
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☀️Make sure there is good airflow in your baby’s room (this trumps black out!) much more important that they don’t overheat. ⠀
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☀️If using a fan, place it well away from baby so that they cannot grab it. Do not have it blowing directly onto baby. ⠀
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☀️As part of your bedtime routine, lukewarm baths are good. Make sure they aren't too cold, as that will boost circulation (your body's way of keeping warm). When we go to sleep at night our body temperature needs to drop to go to sleep (this will happen naturally). Having a bath before bed can help this process - as the water evaporates from our skin it cools us down.⠀ ⠀
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☀️Place a cool (but not frozen) flannel on babies forehead to cool them a little if they are struggling. ⠀
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☀️Keep curtains and blinds closed in the day to keep the sun out. Open the windows at bedtime for air circulation.⠀ ⠀
It’s very common for our sleep to be disrupted by the heat and for little ones to wake up early. ⠀ ⠀
Any questions? Tag a friend & save these tips!

Are you tired mama? I hear you. The days and the n

Are you tired mama? I hear you. The days and the nights can be so long. My job here is to inform you, reassure you and make sure you leave my page feeling lighter. If this was my last ever post, what would I say to you? ⠀
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❤️Disturbed sleep is normal, night feeds are normal. But when is enough enough? When does it become unsustainable for you and your baby? That decision is down to you and you only. ⠀
❤️It is not my job to tell you when to change things, or if to change them at all. I see my job as a guide - but only if you want to be on my tour. ⠀
❤️I love what I do, I live and breathe it. I want each and every one of you to take away a piece of information to help you. Whether that is simply that nothing needs to change, or perhaps it is that everything needs to change? ⠀
❤️How you see yourself, how you treat yourself. Don't measure yourself against other mothers. Your success as a mother is NOT determined by how 'well' your baby is sleeping. ⠀
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❤️You don't have to live with sleep deprivation for the next 5 years, but you also don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Don't be guilted into thinking that you will cause your child damage if you make changes. Do so in an informed manner - don't forget that not everything you read on the internet is true. Some people will tell you until they are blue in the face that they have found 'evidence' that vaccinations are damaging, some people will tell you that having a routine is damaging. Everything MUST be taken in context. The parenting world is full of opinions, but let's face facts - whatever you do must be done in the context of you and your family. No-one knows your baby better than you. Tap into your wisdom. 💫
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❤️So my lovely friends & followers... what one piece of advice do you think helped you with your little one's sleep?

Ok so this is an exaggeration but for some reason

Ok so this is an exaggeration but for some reason dads really often don’t hear the baby! It can be quite infuriating (I remember it well)!⠀
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As mums we do often carry the load. Sometimes this is necessary and we have no choice. Other times I really believe we need to make more space to allow them to help us, and to prioritise our rest.⠀
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Remember, they might have a different style or their own way of doing things, but in order for baby to bond and get used to them, it’s all about practice. No-one knows what they are doing first time! Even if you are breastfeeding, dads can still get involved.⠀
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It’s all about team work! And for the single parents out there, finding another member of your team - a close friend or family member to share the load from time to time. ⠀
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A few tips from me:⠀
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1. Get dad to have a go at baby massage⠀
2. Let dad bath baby ⠀
3. Encourage dad to change baby ⠀
4. Dad can carry baby in a sling ⠀
5. An overtired baby who has lost it can be calmed by skin to skin - it’s just as valuable from dads ⠀
6. Allow dad to try to settle baby at night and bedtime/naptime. I always advise taking it in turns to settle baby. ⠀
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What else would you add to the list that has helped your other half?

It’s arrived!!🥳 ⠀ So many of you have been

It’s arrived!!🥳
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So many of you have been patiently waiting. Thank you for bearing with us. ⠀
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The 19 months to 4 years course is now available to buy, hooray! (Link in bio).
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There is an overwhelming amount of advice available to parents about children’s sleep. When you are sleep deprived it can feel really hard to know where to start. It is not always easy to see the simple changes that you can make to help your child get the sleep that they need. ⠀
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This course covers everything from the science of sleep to how to create a great daily schedule. It is all broken down into easy to digest sections. You will have access to videos, written material, plus downloadable schedules and step by step plans to support your child to sleep in their own cot or bed.⠀ I feel like so many people think that by the toddler years their little ones are a lost cause, which is absolutely NOT the case. It’s never too late to make improvements to sleep. ⠀
Any questions about the course??? Or anything toddler related 🤩

You guessed it, this post is all about reading to

You guessed it, this post is all about reading to your child. In my opinion you can never start too early! ⠀
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Reading to children stimulates their development, motor skills, memory and more. Research shows us that it improves their emotional and social development. ⠀
Those who are read to from an earlier age have better language skills in childhood and beyond. Also learning to turn pages helps motor skills for toddlers. ⠀
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Reading aloud is a shared experience for caregiver and child - a special chance for bonding, where they have your 100% attention, and share your emotion. Children learn to love books because they are sharing them with the person they love most in the world.⠀
Don't think your baby is too young! Reading to babies contributes to the development of their growing brains. When you read to them, they are absorbing information and speech patterns. Synapses connect between your baby's neurons when you read aloud! You are literally building their brains. They also just really love the sound of your voice ❤️. ⠀
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A bedtime story is a fantastic way to bond and relax as part of your bedtime routine. If you find that your baby is too tired then perhaps read them a story before their bath. Some quiet reflection before bed, time away from technology, gadgets, bright lights and a cuddle with mum or dad is perfect for setting you up for a good night's sleep.⠀⠀
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What is your favourite bedtime story for your little one? 📚
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Lets share ideas! Don't forget to save this post so you can come back to it. ⠀

Spotlight on Dr Stephanie Ooi, aka @the_gp_mum ! S

Spotlight on Dr Stephanie Ooi, aka @the_gp_mum ! Steph provides an amazing amount of info for parents and was the best person to discuss some concerns that I have been asked about recently. ⠀
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‘Newborn breathing: If you watch your newborn, you might notice their breathing rate speed up suddenly or be irregular for short periods of time. They can make funny grunting noises in their sleep and might even snore. The reason for the snoring is because their airways are so small that even a small amount of mucus can cause a blockage. In addition their respiratory (breathing) system is getting used to its new environment and during the first few days they might still be getting rid of any secretions from when they were in the womb. Remember their lungs were filled with amniotic fluid! As they grow out of this newborn phase, their breathing pattern will gradually settle.⠀
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We breathe through our noses as this allows air to be moistened and warmed before heading to the lungs. It seems that open mouth breathing has been highlighted as a sign that there is an underlying problem with your baby. However, as with so many things in medicine, it isn’t this straightforward and needs to be put into context. ⠀
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The majority of babies who breathe with their mouth open have no underlying medical condition. It is more likely that their little nose or airway is blocked with mucus which causes them to mouth breathe (much like if we were to have a blocked nose). I have seen my 6 week old do this on several occasions so it can be very normal!⠀
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So, when *should* you worry about mouth breathing? A few things to look out for:⠀
If you feel your baby breathes through their mouth for the majority of the day/night.⠀
If they snore a lot at night⠀
If it continuously affects feeding ie. they have to come off the breast/bottle during feeds to take some breaths before continuing⠀
If you notice your baby has periods where they seem to stop breathing before starting again whilst sleeping⠀
If you are concerned - don’t ignore your parental instinct⠀
These are all an indication to seek advice from your GP who can progress things if needed.’
Does your baby breathe through their mouth when asleep?

We all need coffee right? haha.⠀ ⠀ Let's talk

We all need coffee right? haha.⠀
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Let's talk naps though. I am asked a LOT about naps. I want to reassure you that short naps are actually okay if that is what is happening. I do also believe that with time and practice babies can achieve a longer nap. Each baby is different, which is why I like to keep guidelines quite general. I don't want to cause any anxiety if your baby isn't doing what I have written below. What I have learned working with babies is... there are always exception for every 'rule.' And these really aren't rules at all, they are just patterns, that we come to recognise as the 'norm.' I promise no-one is going to give you an exam to see how long your baby naps. 😉Nothing is an exact science but as this has been requested a lot I thought it was time! ⠀
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The volume and length of naps will vary slightly for each baby, but here is a guideline for roughly the number of naps you might expect from your baby.⠀
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❤️3 months - 3 to 4 naps⠀
❤️3-6 months - 3 naps⠀
❤️6-9 months - 2-3 naps⠀
❤️10-18 months - 1-2 naps⠀
❤️19 months - 4 years - 1 to 0 naps⠀
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Remember to save this post so you can refer back.⠀
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Have you got any questions about naps?

Hey mama 👋🏻 I see you there. I want you to k

Hey mama 👋🏻 I see you there. I want you to know you are doing a fantastic job. This parenting malarkey is tough. Just when you think you’ve got it nailed there’s a new challenge ahead. ⠀
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My personal goals for this week are:⠀
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1. Launch our toddler sleep course!⠀
2. Stop watching the news (it’s been getting me down)⠀
3. Set aside some time to read some fiction for pleasure (I spend all my time reading for work it seems!)⠀
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What are you going to challenge yourself to do this week? I would love to hear ❤️⠀
Share on your stories and tag me and I’ll repost some of them! Use #justchillmamagoals

True right???? ⠀ Head ready to explode today. I

True right???? ⠀
Head ready to explode today. I need to stop reading the news too - it just adds to it right? ⠀
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So many things to remember, to keep track of, to plan, to worry about 😂⠀
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I find I’m always worrying about the next thing; or planning what’s going to happen. I think I’ve realised that I need to let it go for 2020, Elsa style! It’s not the year to make plans. ⠀
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Anyone else a worrier???

💡Spotlight on: @mybumppay ❤️Amazing Tobi is

💡Spotlight on: @mybumppay ❤️Amazing Tobi is the first to feature in my new series of guest posts. I want to put the spotlight on other pages I love, related to parenthood & empowering women. Tobi is not only an inspirational woman, she’s a dearly loved sleep client of mine. I helped her when her eldest was a baby. She’s been an advocate of mine for some time 😘
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⚡️Tobi's story: ‘I started @mybumppay because on my journey to become a mum I had to navigate the world of maternity pay, my career and mat leave pretty much by myself. ⁣I felt totally lost, like all my ambitions and dreams were fighting against my role as a mum. Have you ever felt like this? Or been scared that motherhood would leave you unable to achieve your goals ? ⁣It was at that moment I thought no ambitious woman should ever feel like this. So I armed myself with all the knowledge possible to help others. ⁣⚡️I’m on a mission to make sure that those who are: thinking about a family, pregnant or already a mum have all the info they need to thrive in their careers. ⁣This is what birthed @mybumppay ⠀
⚡️Thanks to the help of @just_chill_mama with my little one's sleep, I’m able to have the precious gift of time, to build and create, empower and help women live out their dreams.'⠀
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❓Any questions for Tobi on the subject of maternity leave/flexible working? It’s such a big topic, especially with such economic uncertainty right now.....

You are doing great. Honestly. So many of you mess

You are doing great. Honestly. So many of you message me and say you feel like you are failing your babies, you aren’t!! You are their expert ❤️⠀
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We all have bad days, even babies! Never give up on a bad day - whether that’s breastfeeding, sleep, learning a new skill. Take a breath. You can re-set the next day. ⠀
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We all want instant results - it’s part of being a human, but most things worth having take time, consistency and patience. ⠀
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Do what feels right, but don’t give up at the first hurdle. Parenthood stretches our patience in a different way than ever before. I still feeling like I’m learning more and more each day. ⠀
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What have you learnt about yourself since becoming a parent? 🤔

Here is my little Lola back when she was cutting a

Here is my little Lola back when she was cutting a tooth. You can see her red cheek! ⠀
It really varies from baby to baby, but most begin teething around 6 months (always exceptions!)
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Teething gets a really bad rap. A lot of sleep issues are blamed on teething. As a general rule I find that teething can (but not always) disturb sleep for around 3-7 days as a tooth cuts through. If your sleep disturbance is spanning weeks or months, it is unlikely to be the route issue. It’s also a common misconception that you can’t improve sleep if baby is teething – they will be teething for a long time to come. ⠀
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Remember – babies of 3-4 months put everything in their mouth and drool a lot… this is all very normal behaviour whether teething or not.⠀
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Sometimes baby teeth emerge with no disturbance at all. However, sometimes you might notice:⠀
1. Your baby’s gum is sore & red where the tooth is breaking through.⠀
2. One cheek is flushed⠀
3. They rub their ear⠀
4. Excessive drooling⠀
5. Chewing & biting things (although this can be totally normal too!)⠀
6. Irritability or fretful⠀
7. Slight increase in temperature, but no fever.⠀
Tips: 💓A chilled (not frozen!) teething ring can be soothing on baby's gums. To avoid cavities, please don't dip these items in sugary substances.⠀
💓If baby is especially upset, consider giving him or her infants' or children's over-the-counter pain medications.⠀
💓Its is really common for teething babies to want to feed more, due to the loss of fluid when drooling, and for comfort. Provide these extra feeds if needed.⠀
💓Lots of cuddles & play. Distracting your baby really helps. Baby massage around the face and jaw can be good (I’ll do a video on this).⠀
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✏️There is a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective. I recommend that parents always try non-medical options for teething first – teething ring, cuddles, feeds, distraction…. If you do use a gel, make sure it’s designed for babies.⠀
✏️ Avoid homeopathic remedies on the internet – some of these have been linked to very serious side effects.⠀ ❓When did your little one get his/her 1st tooth? Did it affect sleep?

I just wanted to let you know how amazing you trul

I just wanted to let you know how amazing you truly are.⠀
I get so many messages from mums who feel like they are a ‘failure.’ ⠀
Your worth is not measured by how well your child sleeps, their behaviour, their eating habits, their development......⠀
They are all different. We can put support systems in place, learn all about these areas but please stop being hard on yourself.⠀
Mothering is hard. There are bumps in the road.⠀
I get so many messages about those who have read a book that tells them they have to have reached a certain point, or shouldn’t be doing a certain thing by an age that has been imagined by this person! Make your own rules, for your child, decided by you, their number 1 expert. ⠀
Our sleep guidance is here to help, but ultimately you call the shots. Don’t worry that if you don’t do a certain thing right now that you will ‘ruin’ their sleep. ⠀
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You are doing a great job. I’m sending love to all of you right now. Hearts are aching. It’s a hard time.⠀
The hideous crimes against George Floyd and many others past and present, UK and abroad. Hearts are breaking, people are rightly angry. ⠀
We all need to learn more, and be responsible for our own learning, and that of the next generation. Teaching starts at home, with us. ⠀
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Loads of love to you all ⠀
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Back to school? ⠀ ⠀ Our worlds, their worlds,

Back to school? ⠀
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Our worlds, their worlds, have been turned upside down in the past few months. As the world gradually re-opens it is going to be an adjustment period for all of us. ⠀
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Nurseries are open again, and schools for certain year groups. My little Lola is back at her nursery in the mornings, and I have to say, shes absolutely loving it so far. She virtually runs there! But not all little ones are made the same. ⠀
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Here are my top tips! ⠀
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❤️Separation anxiety is entirely normal. During lockdown especially, you have been your child's entire universe. There is every chance that they will be upset to leave your side. Don't beat yourself up about it, its actually a sign that you have a fantastic bond with your child.⠀
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❤️ Routine - humans thrive on routine. Doing familiar things at familiar times. A new routine can take some time to get used to again. Make sure that your little one is getting to bed on time at night, so that they are fully rested to take on the challenge of the 'new normal.'⠀
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❤️Be prepared that you may experience a change in sleep as they adjust to the new normal. This could be a positive change (physical and mental stimulation helps with sleep!), or you may find they are clingy at bedtime and suffering from nightmares. Make sure you have a regular, relaxing bedtime routine. Some mindfulness for older ones is fantastic. Sticking to your boundaries at bedtime will help. ⠀
❤️Speak to your care provider about the possiblity of a 'settling in' period - similar to what you would have done when they first started. It may be that your little one stays for shorter sessions than previously, to get them used to it again.⠀
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❤️If allowed, a small comforter or toy can help them keep their connection to home. For older ones this won't be possible in schools. ⠀
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❤️Your decision is final, and you don't have to justify yourself to anyone. You are the parent and its down to you to weigh up the benefits of your child's return - not your neighbour, auntie or friend. All we can do is make informed decisions and choose the best route for our families.⠀
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⁉️Did you send your little one back to school or nursery this week? ⠀
How are they getting on?

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