Maternity Leave: A reflection on that which has past.

I'm just coming to the end of mine so I thought I'd have a look back at the reality of this period.

1.    Do take the pre-birth time to have a well earned break. You have been growing a baby and that is hard work. Watch some films, read a book, eat cake, go for a pamper (pregnancy friendly, of course) and take it easy.

8 months and time to put the feet up!

2.    People might mention getting as much sleep as possible before the baby arrives however most women find sleep in the third trimester uncomfortable so instead of worrying about lack of sleep, just chill out. Try a You Tube guided meditation to have a power nap. Or have little snoozes when you feel like it.

3.    After the baby is born, please rest. Adrenaline and excitement tend to course through the veins days after the baby is born and you will be on full alert. I found I wanted to get back to life as quickly as possible but I should have been resting and letting my partner do more.

Brand new baby Boo-boo!

4.    You are allowed to say no to visitors. Your guests will all want to turn up when the baby arrives and you might not be in the mood for it, so put them off for another day.

5.    There are lots of free things for babies to do such as the one o'clock clubs, Sure Start centres and library story times. You don't have to feel obliged to go along if you are just enjoying the peace with your baby at home. If you do intend to visit one of these places, I recommend phoning to check whether things are on.

6.    Eat, cake or lunch and sip coffee with friends (other mummies or otherwise). And remember that you need a break - most mother's are spending lots of the night time up with their baby and deserve a treat!

Coffee, cake and baby Boo-boo

7.   It's ok to feel a little stir crazy in this period. Day in, day out, night in, night out of baby, baby, baby can make you feel a little irrational and yearning to have a grown up conversation. If you can find an outlet to keeping you sane, try and make a bit of time for it whether that be writing a blog, a regular evening out with friends or doing some sports.

8.   It is likely that there will be times when you feel hugely resentful of your partner. Sometimes, I think it's the hormones othertimes it's because he thinks I'm playing with the baby and having fun all day. The level of anger is a new emotion to me. I understand these things fade with time.

9.   It goes past very quickly. And it will be hard to step back and reflex on it all. People say that kids grow up so quickly and to remember these times but most parents (particularly the main carer) don't always have the energy to enjoy these moments.

I feel there  is lots more I could say on this subject! But what do others think? What have I missed? Or anything that you disagree with. Post comments below!

A visit to Hampstead Heath (or What I did at the weekend)

When I start thinking about traveling from my area, Brixton, I think about the places that are easy to get to and not the ones that will take an hour or more with lots of changes on the underground and buses. So I had written off  the idea of popping to Hampstead Heath for the weekend.

How wrong was I? Using the Thameslink, it's pretty easy to get there. In fact the journey between  Herne Hill and West Hampstead station is 30 minutes- yes you heard me correctly - 30 mins!! North London here I come!!!

So lets start at the beginning, the other Sunday we decided to enjoy the changing shades of leaves in one of London's top tree hot spots, Hampstead Heath. From Brixton we walked to Herne Hill as this is the Station with a lift that takes us swiftly north of the river. On our travels we took the opportunity to peruse the new Herne Hill market -it's a goody - lots of foods and crafts, well worth a visit. Boo-boo even met a dinosaur (and was pretty unimpressed).

The dinosaur was terrified of Princess Boo-boo of Brixton.

After having a nose, we headed off to the station, up the lifts and waited for the next Thameslink train. Now this train isn't the best for buggies - the aisles aren't wide enough for you to push the buggy through so you need to find a seat where you got on. The back carriage tends to have seats along the side rather than facing forwards or backwards which does leave room for the buggy.

So quickly we travelled through London zipping through the south, the city and then into the north. We decided for the West Hampstead stop as the station has a lift and a bus would take us to the Heath. However, I didn't read my bus map properly and we ended up at the bottom of the Heath with a big hill ahead of us. But the sun was shining so with determination we trundled up the hill, stopping at the top to take in the breathtaking view of London although this wasn't really a moment for quiet contemplation as there was about a hundred people up there all doing the same thing.

Golden leaves

 On we ambled through the red, brown orange and gold leaves laid on the path to lead us to warmer pastures of cakes and hot coffees. Yes, we were heading to Hampstead via the trees and plants, listed buildings, little cottages and old churchyard.

Autumn Reflection

Upon arrival we had a look at the shops - the place was heaving and the tea shops were full! However a poor consolation was the fact that the place with the best looking cakes wasn't buggy friendly anyway. We need a babysitter too visit that cake shop or just wait til the child grows up!

Boo-boo enjoys the art

After a hot beverage and a sugary snack we found an art exhibition located in a local church. So we had a wander, took some photos and generally enjoyed what felt like a grown up experience. Then slowly we pottered back to West Hampstead Station as the sun set on our little adventure. All in all, it was a lovely day - great views, sugary snacks and a swift and pleasant journey across into the North of London.

The Thameslink (First Capital Connect) train from Herne Hill to West Hampstead cost £1.80 each way with pay as you go Oyster card. The journey takes 30 minutes.

From West Hampstead take the C11 to Gospel Oak where you will get off at the bottom of the Heath - there is a cafe and toilets near by.

Go visit!

Soft play in Balham at Bertie and Boo Adventure Island

I have decided to venture further afield and see what is out there for the little one. I enjoy the bus journey, getting out of the house and seeing new things. This time the destination is Balham! A trip to visit Bertie and Boo Adventure Island.

It's easy to find as it is on the main road through Balham. As you approach you get a sense of it's popularity as mums and buggies storm pass you. Upon entering you are greeted by a sea of pushchairs, and lots of mums with toddlers all bouncing around the place. It's a little bit crazy!

Children under 18 months old get in for free however this means they get to play in a very small baby space outside the main soft play area (I understand they plan to expand this space). There was some soft mats and balls, shapes and a machine which blew air and kept the balls floating which amused the babies. However this little space wasn't a haven of peace for the babies as the toddlers would finish a play session, run into the baby section and go crazy!! It was like a baby mosh pit!

So I didn't stay long. The bigger space looks great. It has timed hourly session for £2.50 and all day tickets for £3.90 all day (just makes me tired thinking about it). They also do weekly events such as drama club and magical story of the week - these cost extra and include use of the soft play facilities. More information can be found on their website. If Balham is local to you (yes I'm talking to the Streatham/Clapham parents) then it's definitely worth a visit. I look forward to going back when my daughter is a bit older!

Bertie and Boo Adventure Island is located at 205-207 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ. Opening times for soft play are:

Mon to Fri:         9:00am to 5:30pm
Sat:                     12:00pm to 4:00pm
Sun:                    9:00am to 12:00pm.

And while we were in the area we decided to visit the Bertie and Boo Coffee shop which is near Waitrose.

Boo-boo wants to know where her cake is!

This is a great spot to take a break with the kids, high chairs available, good baby friendly toilets, cakes for mums and food for the little ones. Really worth a visit if you are in the area!

The coffee shop is located at 162 Balham High Road, Balham, SW12 9BW. Opening times are

Mon:	7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Tue - Fri:	7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Sat - Sun:	8:00am  - 3:00pm

Balham is served by buses 249, 315, 355 and 155. It can also be reached by the underground and the overground!

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Want to know more about soft play facilities in the Lambeth area and beyond? Read the following:

• our review of soft play at Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre
• our review of soft play at Brixton Recreation Centre
• our review of soft play at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre  
• our review of soft play at Clapham Leisure Centre
•  

Little Lambeth & Streatham Mums do coffee

Little Lambeth is teaming up with Streatham Mums to host a coffee morning 

When ?? Next Tuesday 24th April from 10.30am

Where ?? At the delectable Earl Grey and Rose very near Streatham Hill from 10.30am

We would be delighted if you would join us as it would be fab to meet some lovely local mums/dads/aunts/uncles etc and of course our little'uns. It isn't very big but as you'll see it is rather fabulous and quaint with great cakes/coffee/sandwiches. I'm afraid there's no nappy changing but there were some toys last time we went. We've been trying to think of the best central Lambeth cafe with a baby area & baby changing so suggestions are more than welcome otherwise I may end up starting my own baby friendly café.....

 

For those of you who don't know what I look like -

here I am in the café where they shot Amelie!

Also don't forget to check out the extremely handy Streatham Mum's Network on Facebook which is an excellent message board for any questions, ideas, recommendations, events coming up in Streatham.

Discovery of a delightful café in Streatham! Review of Earl Grey and Rose

Last week Mr. Milo and I arranged to have coffee with a friend at the delectable  Earl Grey and Rose  which I had espied from afar. If you ever pass by you'll see why I was compelled to explore it's delightful decorative interior.

Earl Grey and Rose, Streatham

As you enter you are transported to a fabulous 50s garden party with bunting, cute cups, teapots and sewing machines (to rent by the hour) and are also lovely cakes and sandwiches. 

Cakes at Earl Grey and Rose Cafe

Mr Milo and I shared a lovely chocolate and Guinness cake but there was such a range to choose from. Luckily the space is quite large so my friend and I put our little men on the floor and were given some lego to play with. Be warned though, there are a few delicate bits and bobs around so you still have to keep a close eye on any curious fingers!

Earl Grey and Rose is located at 1 Streatleigh Parade, London SW16 1EQ

Please phone them on Tel: 0208 696 0375  or  email: info@earlgreyandrose.com for further information on opening times.