Boobs!!

 

 

 

 

So apparently this week is National Breast Feeding Week and I have read blog posts from Bloggers alike about how some think breast feeding is best and others are saying fed is best, but I have to say I haven’t read any posts about women who have the best laid plans to breast feed but actually aren’t able too. This is me and I am dam sure I am not alone.

 

When I first discovered I was pregnant, apart from being in love with the idea of having a baby growing inside of me, I was totally amazed about how it had an impact on my body, but never my boobs!! My belly grew, but my boobs didn’t. My feet became swollen but my boobs didn’t. The Midwife was never bothered when I mentioned it to her, she kept saying, it will kick in when required.

 

However after 50 plus hours of traumatic labour, this is the only I can describe my labour, I gave birth to my beautiful little boy. I was completely overwhelmed. I was asked my preference about breast feeding when I entered the labour suite and I was completely in favour of breast feeding. It had never even entered my mind that it wouldn’t happen. So, after his birth, Sam was latched on and he suckled naturally. The Midwife showed me how to put him back on if he became unattached, which I did. It wasn’t easy but I did it with a little bit of help from Ali.

 

I went home in a new Mum bubble and kept attempting to latch my baby, but my goodness he was a grumpy baby. I tried to use a breast pump but nothing arrived. After three days, I was still getting no milk but the health professionals didn’t seem bothered. They said my latch was good but I knew my baby was hungry. I wasn’t leaking, they weren’t sore, they felt like normal non pregnant boobs. Absolutely nothing was coming through.

 

Eventually I called the Children’s Centre and begged for help. A breast feeding support worker was sent out to help me. She was fab, she sat with me and Sam and talked me through breast feeding. She saw Sam latch on but how he would realise that he wasn’t get anything. She asked me to use the breast pump but nothing. Eventually she confirmed my worst nightmare, my boobs had failed me.

 

I felt like the worst mother ever. I had failed my baby, I wasn’t able to do something that my body should have done naturally. My baby was hungry and he was living on nothing. At first, I cried. Ali told me that it wasn’t my fault but there was no way I could believe him. He drove me to Mothercare and I stood completely numb in the carpark. We bumped into some friends who had yet to meet Sam but I felt so low I remember walking away and leaving Sam with Ali. He was being the proud Dad and showing off his baby but I couldn’t watch. I felt so low.

 

We ended up spending a small fortune on bottles, sterilisers, milk etc as I had nothing. I should have been feeding my baby from my own boobs not a bottle.

 

I remember how Sam gagged on the first bottle. He was just so hungry, but it didn’t stay in his tummy for long, he threw it back up, it went everywhere and smell was disgusting. I didn’t blame him for throwing back up.

 

Eventually, he started to slow down on the bottle and realised that they came when he demanded. He was still grumpy but he soon started to fill up his tummy which enabled him to sleep.

 

It took me months to come to terms with the fact that I was bottle feeding my baby. Everyone seemed to ask how the feeding was going and I would have to admit that I was bottle feeding. I still feel guilty whenever health professionals ask if he was breast or bottle fed and I always go on to say “bottle fed as I didn’t get any breast milk” People stare at you when you breast feeding but they also stare at you when you bottle feed.

 

So please remember that bottle feeding may be essential not a choice.

 

When I was pregnant with Oliver, my boobs again stayed the same, so I talked it through with Ali and we decided to see if anything happened during the pregnancy or birth but we would be prepared with bottles of milk in stock and ready to go if not, I vowed to feed my baby.

 

Again with Oliver my boobs failed, I had nothing, no breast milk at all. I have talked to health professionals about it and they couldn't seem to find any reason why I didn’t get any, for me it just didn’t happen.

 

So please if you see someone bottle feeding please don’t think that they are against breast feeding, it might simply be their only choice.

 

Sorry I will stop my ranting now. x

 

 

The Red Box Project

Ok, I want to chat to you about something that isn't always comfortable to talk about.

 Periods, actually not just Periods but "Period Poverty"

Periods are never going to be an easy subject, some people cant even say the word, you get all sorts of weird and wonderful names to describe what is going on. I'm sure you have heard or use some of them, time of the month, the painters are in or on the blob I am sure the list goes on and on.

But I wanted to raise awareness of Period Poverty. Not abroad, but here at home in the UK, in Devon, in our hometowns.

Girls, are growing up in households where periods are a taboo subject and money is not given for such provisions to keep themselves clean and hygienic and amazingly one in every ten girls misses  out of their education as they are unable to go to school when they are having their period. This shocked and horrified me. How can this be true? We are living in 2018, not caveman times.

When I go shopping, I take it for granted that I can afford sanitary towels, they are not a luxury, they are a necessity. I shove them in the basket and walk on, where as some women have to think about spending £2 on them or food. I really struggle to get my head around this.

My period life had a pretty rubbish start. I had my first period on Christmas Day 1993. I was 13 years old and mortified but thankfully I had an open Mum who had already discussed it with me. She had also agreed that I could have the lunch time class in the gym at school to discuss periods and I was given a couple of sanitary towels for signing up, so at least I was prepared.

For the next few years, my periods were awful and I was eventually put on the pill due to the fact it would make me end up in bed for days and I started missing school. My periods also weren't monthly, they would just spring up whenever they felt like it.

In 1995, I was training for Ten Tors on Dartmoor. I remember being caught out and having to ask the all male staff team via radio if anyone could help me. A van was sought and someone's wife was sent to get me supplies. I changed in the back of the van and was sent on my way but I felt hideous and ashamed and crap that this thing took over my life.

Eventually the pill settled my periods and I can almost set my watch by them, but I have been on the pill for so long the doctors want to take me off it and dread having to find an alternative and having to be constantly prepared again.

So to hear a nationwide, community funded initiative to ensure that no young woman misses school because she has her period and lacks access to sanitary products had been set up was music to my ears and I decided to find out more.

THE RED BOX PROJECT

 

The Red Box Project is entirely funded by community kindness, woman to young woman.  It is designed to be a simple, no frills scheme to meet a need with minimal fuss. This is exactly how it should be. Girls are embarrassed enough by the whole situation, they don't want fuss, they just want it sorted.

The project is 100% community driven and is run by Women all over the UK.

The main idea is, the places become local collection points where it is asked that women who can afford to buy sanitary towels, tampons, panty liners and suitable underwear are asked to buy double of an item and pop it in a collection box that is local to them.

Volunteer coordinators then do regular pick ups of the items and deliver them to a Red Box in local schools. Girls are then able to help themselves to the products when they require them. It really is that simple!!

Most schools have a dedicated teacher who is able to offer advise and co-ordinates the project so it is ensured that the young women who need the products do get them.

My local collection box is based on a retail park in Newton Abbot, so I simply purchased some tampons and popped them in the box. I didn't have to ask for the collection box either, it was easily visible, just as it should be making more people aware of this issue.

So, what can you do to help?

I ask you to find out where your local collection point is by accessing the Red Project Website: http://redboxproject.org/  or www.facebook.com/theredboxprojectuk and drop a packet of towels or tampons into the box. Its costs roughly the price of a cup of coffee!

Those of you, who are local to me, there is a South Devon Co-ordinator who can be access here: https://www.facebook.com/theredboxprojectsouthdevon/

If there are no boxes local to you, could you co-ordinate one? redboxprojectuk@gmail.com


 If that doesn't take your fancy but you still feel strong about the subject, please donate to: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/theredboxproject

 

 

 

After reading about the project, I wondered if I was just naïve about it and had I just missed things in the media, but unfortunately it seems I haven't. People don't want to talk about it, which I find so sad.

I asked some other bloggers if they had heard of the project or even the term "Period Poverty" and I received a mixed response.

Kelly Allen Yes I support this 100%. I was in Chapter Arts in Cardiff recently when I saw a box in the ladies. I immediately popped a couple of sanitary towels into it. It's a brilliant idea and hopefully it will help girls in need. www.kellyallenwriter.comManage

Helen Treharne



Period poverty is a real issue and no girl should miss school or not observe basic health care because they don’t want to ask for a pack of pads because they know might already be choosing between

buying a tin of beans or putting a quid in the meter. I’ve heard people suggest using reusables which is great and something I support from a health and environment perspective , but the reality for many families is they don’t have funds to run the washing machine and reusable pads are expensive to set up initially if you are to buy enough to see you through a cycle. We need a varied approach that suit different circumstances, but the Red Box Project is one I completely support. Why not buy a pack of pads on your next shop and donate them? Same goes for food banks too, they always need them.
www.welshmumwriting.com  

Carla Sabir This is something I dont have a clue about. I didnt know people can't afford to run a washing machine. I thought it was around 50p a wash?!? Is there anywhere I can read more?

Katie Brinkworth I haven't heard of this project but I think it is an amazing idea and would definitely support it. Personally I would donate reusable pads though, as I think they would be useful. livinglifeourway.comManage

Jeannette Cripps I’m a local collection point for this and my crochet group also makes covers for the pads, crocheted, knitted or sewn. Patterns on my @bluedaiscrochet page Lots of people don’t understand period poverty and it provoked a lot of debate in a fb group recently http://AutismMumma.comManage

Emily Macdonald As a teenager in care I had to use my own pocket money to buy supplies. It was horrible. I would get £5 a week and sometimes it wasn’t enough, I’d need two packs. I would be reprimanded for not planning ahead. I was really lucky that there was one teacher at school who would keep some in her desk for girls caught out or unable to buy them! This is a brilliant idea!!
www.aslummymummy.comManage

Jaymee Heaton We have a local red box in Peterborough it is such a fab scheme and something i do support! Www.themumdiaries.co.ukManage

 

Lisa Valentine We have a local red box charity and, as a mum of two teenage girls, I 100% support it. We're 'lucky' enough to be a position where buying sanitary products isn't an issue, however, when I was growing up, I wasn't quiet as fortunate, having to resort to using tissue or asking friends for help every month. It's extremely embarrassing and undignified so these projects are so very important 💕 www.thatbritishbetty.comManage

Gail Maynes I have never heard of this but it sounds fab! I would love to know more - www.yammymommy.co.ukManage

So, can I ask you to do me a favour, can you click on the website and read a little more about this subject, no its not a great evening read but its real and its happening now.

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/theredboxprojectuk



     








 

Paulos Circus Making Memories Tour 2018

 

Roll up, roll up to the hottest show in town!! (Literally!!)

 

What a show, what a performance, we certainly made memories whilst watching the circus.

 

I was kindly invited to bring my family along to review the Making Memories Tour at Paulo's Circus, which is currently situated at Darts Farm in Topsham, Exeter and I have to say we all loved it.

 

We were advised to arrive early to collect our tickets and my goodness I'm glad we did. The seats are first come, first served so pick your seats wisely.

 

 

 

Unfortunately to get five seats together, we had to sit around the side of the tent and my Dad had a large tent pole in his view. It wasn't completely obstructive but he did have to lean a little into the aisle to see some of the acts.

 

After a while the lights went down and some music started playing. The music to start with is quite loud and my little one, Oliver, two years old, wasn't overly keen. Thankfully Nanna came to the rescue and he soon calmed down.

 

The lights and lasers started shooting around the tent and visual countdown started. At the end of the count down, you were introduced to the circus by the Ringmaster and he in turn he introduced the first act.

 

 

 

The first act, was two large cages, two men spun the machine and performed all sorts of tricks in the cages, before then blindfolding themselves and performing some more tricks. I did slightly worry when one of the chaps ripped his jeans on the cage!! My hear did a little leap!!

 

 

 

Next we were introduced to the clown for the evening. Now this clown is certainly not scary, not even a red nose in sight,  but he does like a lot of audience participation and if you are pretty and sat in the front row, by careful if he looks at you!! lol

 

 

 

Mr N, the clown, definitely does a good job of distracting you whilst the rest of the crew set up for the next act.

 

The next act up was the knife throwing act. I'm afraid my phone camera let me down for this act, so no knives in action but it was brilliant and the knife throwing certainly made me squish my bum cheeks together as he threw them at his lady. My Dad also enjoyed the lady changing her dress into something even more skimpy!! lol

 

 

 

I had heard about the next act and was certainly looking forward to seeing him. The act was called Laserman and he didn't disappoint. I love lasers ever since seeing them done properly at a Muse gig.

 

 

 

Laserman controlled the light beams with ease and precision in time with the dramatic music and created an awesome effect. I have to say, personally, this was the highlight of the show for me. It kept me guessing how he was controlling them and actually I still haven't worked it out but I am guessing his feet were involved somewhere along the line.

 

Lights were also involved in the next act. Think Anne Wheeler (Zendaya) in the Greatest Showman. The lady performed also sorts of spinning and leaning and being generally very flexible, that I wouldn't like to attempt on the floor let alone in the air. I could see Sam's face light up with the hoop she was using lit up with lights and she spun around the tent.

 

 

 

After a funny musical interlude with Mr N, the clown, next up was the Juggler, you cant really have a circus without one cant you?? He balanced and juggled balls before moving onto the juggling pins. Now I am in completely in awe of this act as I have tried to juggle so many times and just cant get the hang of it, I am all fingers and thumbs.

 

 

Then to the final act of the night. The big trapeze. Again I had seen photos of this act but couldn't quite believe he was actually able to ride a bike along the wire, with a lady dangling underneath him!!! He then took a chair out onto the wire before balancing the chair and him and taking a little break by sitting down!! PS There are NO safety nets underneath these acts. If they fall, they fall. Full respect to them. I wont be even able to climb the ladder, let alone walk the wire.

 

 

 

Before we knew it, the stars of the show were taking their bows and thanking the audience. The crowd responded with lots of claps and cheers showing a sign of a job well done.

 

 

 

I called it the hottest show in town because it was fab but the temperature in the tent was almost unbearable. I thankfully had packed drinks for the boys and both of them needed topping up again at the end of the show. I think I would recommend an evening show in future if the weather remained this warm.

 

 

In all honesty, I think Oliver was still a little bit young for the show, especially in the heat but it was perfect for Sam. "My best bit was the men in the cages when they went blindfolded. That was so cool."

 

 

My Mum and Dad also enjoyed it and I would like to thank @thepauloscircus for gifting us the tickets to watch the show. We will certainly return.

 

 

If you fancy watching a brilliant performance you can find the show at Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter form now until Sunday 8th July 2018 and all performances are just £7 per seat. Please note there are no performances on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday's. Thursday and Fridays performances are

5pm & 7.45pm and Saturdays/Sundays 2pm & 5:00pm.

For more information please check out: http://www.greatestshowman.co.uk/

Disclosure: In return for five tickets I was asked to give an honest opinion of the show. All the thoughts in this review are my own.

 

 

 

Glamping at Andrewshayes Campsite, Dalwood.

I cant believe that tbis was a year ago!! It was something i had always wanted to do and we were finally able to try it with Andrewshayes.

There is also a competition running on the Andrewshayes website so its worth checking it out.
http://www.andrewshayes.co.uk/new

Please check out my review from last year below:

Glamping at Andrewshayes, Dalwood, East Devon

Earlier this week we were lucky enough to be invited to Andrewshayes Campsite in Dalwood, East Devon to try out their new Glamping pods.
Now as a child I have fond memories of camping and I have been desperate to take the boys, however Ali has never been so keen. At 6ft2” he has never been comfortable in tent, especially when he knows there is often a hotel around the corner so glamping seemed like the perfect comprise.
So, on Tuesday after school and work, we packed the car and excitedly headed up to East Devon.
We arrived at the campsite and headed to the reception but unfortunately it was closed and we were signposted to the warden on duty. The warden was easy to find, he gave us the key and explained that due to it being low season the bar and restaurant would not be open but there were other local pubs serving food.
We headed around the campsite and easily found the toilet block before we glimpsed our home for the evening. Pod G19.
The pods face away from the road for privacy and to take in the view of the field of cows, which both my boys were fascinated with!!
The car was parked on a hard-standing right behind the pod and a green hard path led to the front decking where a picnic bench is located and a viewing panel into the field.
With excitement, we opened the door and were hit with the beautiful smell of fresh cut wood. The pod felt warm and looked cosy. Just inside the door there as a small table and some bench seats covered in cushions. One of the seats lifted and allowed bags to be hidden away safely.
Through the archway, there was a raised double bed with a stool and underneath two single beds on wooden frames which could be moved. The boys were keen to explore the raised bed as they could look out the window as Ali and I unpacked the car.
We quickly made the beds with our own bedding whilst the boys explored the lower single beds. Ali was able to move the beds around and we could fit a Mothercare basic travel cot into the end of the room for Oliver.
The pod was equipped with a kettle, a heater, a fire blanket, wood burner and dust pan and brush. The dust pan and brush were the only items we used. The grass on the campsite had recently been cut and due to the rain, it stuck to all our shoes and so in turn it came into the pod.
The pod really could have done with a mat to reduce the amount coming in or somewhere dry to leave your shoes outside.
The boys loved exploring the different beds. They were able to hide underneath the raised bed and climb up and look out the window.
Once set up, we headed up to the toilet block. The toilets, showers and cubicles were exceptionally clean. I was also really pleased to see two family rooms. These rooms consisted of a toilet, a changing table, a large sink big enough to wash a baby in and a shower.
We headed out for tea. Unfortunately, the pub in Dalwod did not open until later in the evening so we decided to try the New Inn in Kilmington. The food was lovely, (I recommend the Prawns) and the staff were brilliant, friendly, especially with the children.
We headed back to the pod and took the boys to the family room to get showered. The boys again thought it was brilliant to walk across the campsite in their pyjamas and a jumper. Something I have fond memories of as a child! It’s strange what sticks in your mind isn’t it.
We headed back to the pod with high hopes of the children sleeping!! Ha ha ha ha
Sam was excited and Oliver was overtired. Oh dear!! Not a good combination. We tried making it darker in the pod by hanging a towel on the window and a blanket over the doors. Eventually Sam gave in but not Oliver!!
I left him with Ali as I headed up to the showers. The shower is a press button one and it needed to be pressed a couple of times for the water to come at a decent temperature but the pressure was good.

Back at the pod, I snuggled into the comfy bed with Oliver whilst Ali headed off to the shower. Oliver eventually gave in to sleep and we transferred him into his cot where he thankfully stayed all night.
The bed was a full double bed and the mattress was really comfy. It kind of felt naughty sleeping in a bed but technically camping!!
After a good night’s sleep for us all, we got up, although rather early due to the sunlight. If you don’t want an early start I recommend a black out blind for the door.

 We had breakfast and then headed out into the campsite to explore. We found the swimming pool which the boys had all to themselves and thoroughly enjoyed going between the baby pool and the main pool.
We then headed to the games room, where there are a lots of computer games, a snooker table and a soft area for the under six’s. Both my boys really enjoyed the soft play area. There were lots of things to amuse both Sam and Oliver and it was a good place for them to play before we got back in the car and headed home. Just wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the local area.

Would I glamp again? Definitely!! I really enjoyed it. It was a fab experience.
Would I visit Andrewshayes again? Absolutely!! I have already suggested to my parents that they should stay at the campsite as it is perfect for them to have a look around the area. However, I may suggest they rent the caravan with a hot tub.
Disclosure: In renturn for this review I recieved a nights accomodation in pod G19 at Andrewhayes Campsite. The words and opinions however are all my own.

BAM bamboo clothing

 

BAM Bamboo Clothing
 

So you have heard of Bamboo right?? Of course you have!! 

 

So what do you think of when you hear of Bamboo?? If you are anything like me you think of a plant that Pandas eat but recently I have been re-educated in the Bamboo plant and it’s uses. 

 

As some of you know I was recently sent a pair of socks from a company called BAM Bamboo Clothing based in Plymouth. 

 

When the post arrived with my unexpected socks I actually happened to have chilly feet so I popped them on and I have to say I was amazed at how soft the socks were. Proper snuggly soft socks but they also weren’t too warm either. 

So who are BAM??

“BAM is Europe's first bamboo clothing brand.  A small band of enthusiasts, doing something special.  Raising the bar and having a lot of fun doing it."  BAM website.

After receiving the socks I decided to contact the company to find out more. 

I spoke to their customer service team who advised me about their bamboo fabric and its history. At this point, I’m still in a bit of denial that you can make clothes from Panda food, especially a fabric that is so soft!! 

The team also told me about the benefits of wearing Bamboo clothing which include

Being super soft

It’s antibacterial 

It has uv protection

It’s kind to your skin

Thermo control

Moisture wicking

So, what do BAM do?

"Performance clothing made ethically for use whether you're at the south pole or in the gym, on the side of a cliff or in the bar modestly talking down your achievements. Or otherwise :)” BAM website

 

Is BAM ethical and sustainable?

 

"The way bamboo is grown (without fertilizers and pesticides, without the excessive watering needed for cotton, giving a yield that's 10 times that of cotton, per acre, allowing growth on hillsides and other marginal land, etc). Also, there are new developments coming online all the time, for example Modal, which is made in pretty much the same way, is now processed mechanically, so it seems only a matter of a short time before bamboo follows. In fact, one company in China is already doing it 100% mechanically, by crushing and pulping so it's happening already (source: eco textile news). It just needs a short while to become widespread.

 

Another process, using ionic liquids has been discovered by a team in Belfast, (source: ETN July 2009) which is super low impact and actually biodegradable. Our view is very strongly that even before these exciting developments, the whole picture of producing this fabric from planting through to the end garment is environmentally far more positive than cotton for example. It's just a question, in terms of impact, of how low we can go and we're looking at new ways all the time."

Hannah, Customer Team Leader.

Again still unsure, they decided to send me a hoodie to try it out for myself. 

So I chose the ZIP THROUGH BAMBOO SWEAT – NAVY which retails for £50. 

The medium weight bamboo sweat with temperature regulating, moisture wicking, plus odour resistant and made with Medium Sweat double-knit bamboo fabric, this women’s classic zipped sweat top is appropriate for an both an active lifestyle and relaxing. Styled with a lined hood with draw-cord, full-length front zip, pouch pockets, plus banded hem and cuffs, it’s the one you’ll reach for time and time again.

It features

 • Full zip front and drawcord hood

 • Relaxed fit

 • Moisture wicking and odour resistant

 • Hypo allergenic and UPF50+

 • For pre and post workout or casualwear

So I waited for the top to arrive and I didn’t have to wait long. I opened the bag to find a fab navy super soft hoodie inside. 

I was a little nervous that it would fit as I am generally a size 16-18 and the hoodie was a size 16 but I slipped it on and the fit was great. 

 

 

 

 So far I have had the top for a week and it has been my go to top for when the sun disappears and the temperature drops.  I have also worn it on the school run when the morning has been a bit chilly. It has been perfect and very comfortable. 

I also like the fact that the zip feels sturdy. With cheaper hoodies, I often wonder if the plastic zip will last. The BAM hoodie’s metal zip will certainly last. 

 

I also like the little touches with the BAM logo on the strings. 

 

So my overall impression of the hoodie is that is it a cracking top whether you go to the gym or where it on the school run.

 

I just need to convince BAM clothing to offer slightly bigger sizes so I can buy more items.

 

If you fancy taking a look at the range of clothes on offer please check out the website https://bambooclothing.co.uk 

 

In return for this honest review I received a BAM hoodie and BAM pair of socks free of charge.

#honestreview #gifted