NatChatAutumnWinter2017

Contact Rachel to join the fun in our multi-award
winning, friendly classes - now in their tenth year
in Chester and Wirral.
Call Rachel Nightingale on 01244 372970 or visit
www.singandsign.co.uk
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Welcome
and Branch Update
For those of you that haven’t met me, my name is Jen, and I am Joint
Branch Co-ordinator here at NCT Chester.
I have a nearly 3 year old son (who is often at events with me!) and
have been volunteering with the branch for about 18 months. I first
started volunteering when the branch was at risk of becoming
dormant and saw it as a great way to make new friends who also had
small children.
Hello and welcome to our
Autumn/Winter edition of
Natchat!
I can honestly say I love my role and have met some amazing people
along the way. The volunteer team in Chester is so full of enthusiasm
- I am really excited to be part of the branch going forward and to
keep working to expand the events and services we offer.
Have an idea you would like to see come to life in Chester or want to
find out more about getting involved? E-mail us at
chester@nct.org.uk or message us via Facebook for more details.
This issue is jam-packed full, as it has been a very busy few months since our last edition, with lots of exciting
developments in the branch.
July saw the launch of our brand new Lone Parent Group, which we were very proud to bring to Chester thanks to
the hard work of our Lone Parent contact Antonia. We were amazed to find that there were no dedicated Lone
Parent services anywhere near Chester, and felt that it was really important to provide a welcoming setting for
friendship and mutual support.
Our fundraising photo day proved to be a huge success, and raised over £600 which we are using to buy
dedicated feed and change facilities for the branch. This means that next year we will be able to attend festivals
and events around Chester and provide comfy and clean facilities that are so often not available.
Bumps and Babies and our newer Bumps, Babies and Beyond groups were also joined by a fortnightly walking
meet up over the warmer months. Toddle and Talk was held on Tuesday afternoons at Westminster Park, and
was a really lovely group that will definitely be making a re-appearance in the Spring.
There has been so much happening, from the branch attending Pride for the first time and BFFC’s Breastival at
Storyhouse to our famous Nearly New Sales and so much more to do it justice here, so read on to find out more!
Jen x
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In this Edition
Page 5 - Meet our Volunteer Team
at NCT Chester
Page 8 - Volunteer Vacancies
Page 9 - Regional and National
NCT
Page 11 - Our Groups
Page 12 - Lone Parent Group
Page 14 - Breastfeeding Helplines
Page 15 - Becky’s Feeding Journey
Page 17 - Can I Feed in It?
Tips for Breastfeeding
Friendly Clothing
Page 20 - Jemma’s Feeding
Journey
Page 21 - Jenny’s Feeding Journey
Page 23 - The role of a Bosom
Page 28 - Photography and Craft
Fundraising Day
Page 29 - NCT Chester at Pride
Page 31 - Paediatric First Aid
Courses with the British
Red Cross
Page 33 - Nearly New Sales
Page 34 - Christmas Craft Café
Page 35 - Our favourite reads
Page 36 - Mini Cook’s Corner (How
to make Hedgehog bread)
Page 37 - Pregnancy Activity
Advice
Page 39 - What’s on For Kids
Page 42 - Autumn Day Activity
Ideas
Buddy
Page 24 - Breastfeeding Friendly
Chester’s Breastival
Page 25 - Poetry Corner
Page 27 - Local Breastfeeding
support groups
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Meet the Chester NCT
Volunteer Team
Here at NCT Chester we are proud to be totally powered by volunteers! These are some of the
friendly faces that you are likely to meet hosting our groups and events, and keeping
everything running smoothly behind the scenes too. Here we want to introduce you to some
of the team and find out from them why they volunteer with NCT.
I'm Liza, and I have been Baby First Aid (BFA)
Coordinator for the last 3 years. I live with my
partner and 2 daughters in Chester.
I work part time as a veterinary nurse and I enjoy
tiring out my kids as much as possible and letting
them experience as many new things as I can (l love
seeing the looks on their faces!)
Liza
I feel very strongly that every parent should know
basic baby/child first aid and so organising the BFA
courses is very rewarding. I also love the diversity of
volunteering with the branch and supporting all of
the varied activities and events that we run.
Vicky
Hi, I'm Vicky, the Membership Co-ordinator. I live in
Chester with my husband and my 2 year old son.
I joined the NCT before my son's birth and have made
some close friends. I've been aware of the NCT all my
life as my mum attended classes when she was
pregnant with me and my mother-in-law still meets
monthly with her NCT friends almost 40 years after
she attended an NCT antenatal class.
I decided to volunteer for the Chester branch to make
sure other mums can benefit from the social and
support network that I have enjoyed in the last 2
years too.
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Hi, I'm Antonia I'm Chester NCT’s Lone parent Contact. I
care for my daughter single handedly and do as many
activities with her as I can as keeping busy serves us
both well.
Our favourite is swimming and we love to sing and read
books. I also love taking photographs, of pretty much
everything and all the time. Especially my beloved
daughter, which I’m making the most of whilst she can’t
tell me off!
I've been through a very challenging time to then find
myself as a lone parent and its my wish to be able to
provide and gain support by meeting with other people
in similar circumstances. Although it is hard work to do
everything that most parents share, I am very grateful
that my daughter and I are doing very well and that the
people around us are pleased to see us thrive as a family.
Antonia
Lisa
My name is Lisa, and besides being a Research
Associate in the field of child development and
human relations (aka Stay at Home Mum!), I’m also
doing a Birth and Beyond degree, studying with
Worcester Uni and NCT.
I have been volunteering with NCT for over 5 years
now. I have held many ‘hats’ within the branch, and
still do! Besides being the PSA Link (contact with our
ante and postnatal course organisers), I am our
Parent Services Co-ordinator and oversee our groups.
I first started volunteering with NCT to get great
bargains at the Nearly New Sales. Along the way I
have made some lovely friends and am now looking
to start a new career path working for NCT.
NCT Star Awards 2017
We are very proud that our very own Lisa made the Regional Shortlist for the
annual NCT Star awards that celebrate our outstanding volunteers and
practitioners. Lisa really is the heart of the branch here in Chester and was
instrumental in the branch revival last year.
We are also incredibly lucky to have the wonderful Di Langhorn as a
practitioner here in Chester. Her enthusiasm and commitment was recognised
with her being awarded the Regional Practitioner of the year for the
North West Region - well done Di!
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Volunteer Vacancies and
how to get involved
As you can see, your local branch of NCT here in Chester is run totally by volunteers. We all have familiies and many
of us also juggle studying or working in addition to our volunteering. What unites us all is our passion and
enthusiasm for NCT and the work of the charity in reaching and supporting new parents. Volunteering with NCT is
such an enjoyable and rewarding experience and has helped so many of us make new friends and build up our own
support networks as parents.
We are always looking for ways to expand the groups and services we offer, and we are full of ideas we would love
to get off the ground to reach more parents who need our support. To do this we need your help! If you would like
to get involved with the branch and volunteering, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can make a regular
commitment or only spare time occasionally , we have a role for you!
E-mail us at Chester@nct.org.uk or message via our Facebook page to find out more!
****Volunteer Vacancy ****
****Newsletter Editor and Newsletter Team Members ****
We are currently looking for a new editor for NatChat, and also to recruit a small team
to support them to create, compile and edit our quarterly magazine. Are you creative
and organised, or just
fancy a new challenge?
Without a new team of
volunteers (or a single
volunteer with a bit
more time to dedicate if
preferred!) we will sadly have to cease
publication of NatChat.
As we are reaching over
1000 views per issue, and the magazine is an
important source of content and signposting
of services to new par-
ents, we feel this would
be a great loss to the branch. We also
currently use the revenue generated by the magazine to help fund local and national
NCT projects, so the impact of ceasing publication would be a great blow to the branch
too.
Help us save our newsletter and get in touch now! Thank you!
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Regional and National
NCT
Did you know that NCT Chester is part of a national
network of NCT branches, organising activities and
events across the country? From fundraising events
to parent support groups, volunteer powered
branches are at the heart of what NCT does - reaching
and supporting new parents.
In Chester we are part of the Northwest Region
(made up of 26 branches as diverse as South
Cheshire, North Liverpool, Trafford and Tameside!)
and we have a brilliant Regional team who help
support us in the work we do. Here Emmeline and
Tor have kindly offered to give us a brief introduction
of themselves and their roles:
“I’m Emmeline (left of picture) and I am a regional
area link. I cover three branches and am the first
point of contact for information or advice about
procedures and for those in their roles. I read minutes
and am in regular contact trying to be as involved as I
can be alongside my other role of branch coordinator
for Wirral.”
“I’m Victoria (Tor) the Regional Fundraising Advisor!
My role is to support branches in their fundraising
activities, and to support any branches interested in
rolling out the Explorers group to get families in the
great outdoors and raising valuable funds at the same
time!”
Prunella Briance, NCT founder, sadly passed away in
July at the age of 91.
Prunella was a truly inspirational figure who was
passionate about changing the way that women
experienced childbirth. Her tireless enthusiasm
helped NCT grow into the largest charity for parents in
the UK and has undoubtedly improved the maternity
and childbirth experiences of so many since she
founded the organisation that would become NCT in
1957.
As to why she began? “I thought somebody should do
something. So I did” Powerful words that still
motivate NCT volunteers across the country to strive
to support parents and continue to campaign
on the issues parents care about.
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NCT Chester
Groups
Bumps and Babies
Our ‘Original’ Bumps and Babies group (founded by our very own Lisa!) continues
to meet every Thursday. From 10.30am until 12.30pm
our group can be found in Caffe Nero on Foregate Street,
close to the corner of Love Street.
The group is always hosted by an NCT volunteer so there
is no need to worry about turning up alone, there will always be a friendly face to
welcome you. We meet throughout school holidays, just having a short break over
Christmas.
Bumps, Babies and Beyond
Every Monday (excluding bank holidays) you can join our group at
the Russian Crepe Café in Upton. This friendly group which is
suitable from teeny tots up to crawlers and cruisers, utilises the
dedicated upstairs area which has lots of toys for the little ones to
play with, and the family run café are happy to provide table
service too.
Again, the group is hosted by our volunteers, so turning up for the
first time needn’t be too nerve-wracking! Come and meet us anytime from 1pm - 3pm on Monday
afternoons and you will be sure of a warm welcome.
Toddle and Talk
Toddle and Talk was a new group this Spring, and is our walking group that met twice a
month at Westminster Park. On Tuesday afternoons we enjoyed walking and chatting in a
whole variety of weathers! The heatwave days found us
with ice lollies in the play area, and when it was colder we
indulged in hot chocolates in the café.
We are having a break over the colder months but look
forward to starting this group again in the Spring - watch this space!
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NCT Chester
Lone Parent Group
Are you currently parenting alone? Would you like to get
together with others in a similar situation for friendly chats and
mutual support?
.
Come along to
one of our regular
Lone Parent
Meetings held at
The Wesley
Church Centre in
Chester.
The group is run
by our dedicated
Lone Parent
contact, so there
will always be a
friendly face to
greet you.
For more information and up to date event
listings for the group, please find us on
Facebook or send us an e-mail.
We look forward to hearing from you!
@NCTChester
chester@nct.org.uk
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Baby buddy is an award winning free app for parents and parents-to-be, available free from the
App Store or Google Play.
Baby Buddy acts as your personal baby expert who will guide you through your pregnancy and
the first six months of your baby’s life. The app has been designed with parents and
professionals to help you give your baby the best start in life and support your health and
wellbeing.
It features a range of films including those on skin to skin, birth and breastfeeding. It also
includes films to support maternal mental health such as understanding your baby, bonding
and attachment and baby brain development. The app also contains documentary films 13
for fathers. 13

Focus on
Breastfeeding
Feeding your baby is one of the biggest focuses of any new parent’s life, and we know that
especially when you choose to breastfeed, the feeding journey with your baby is not always easy or
straightforward, and that if there is not the right support, a breastfeeding relationship can end
sooner than you had wished. By sharing the feeding journeys of other Mum’s who have breastfed
and the challenges that they have overcome, we hope to help anyone who is struggling know that
they are not alone! We know that if you choose to breastfeed you may need extra support and so
we have also included signposting to local support groups too.
NCT supports all parents, however they feed their baby. If you have questions, concerns or need
support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor by calling our helpline (whether you are
exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk). Feeding counsellors have had extensive training,
will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions. You can
also find more useful articles at www.nct.org.uk/parenting/breastfeeding-concerns
National Breastfeeding Line (government funded):
0300 100 0212
NCT breastfeeding line:
0300 330 0700
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My Breastfeeding
Journey - Becky
I'm Becky. I'm 31 and a Health
Visitor. I'm currently on maternity
leave with my son Douglas, who
has just turned 6 months. I live
with my husband Tom, Douglas
and my two dogs Winston and
Vader. I trained as a Learning
Disability Nurse before becoming a
Health Visitor three years ago. I
have been very lucky and enjoyed
all my job roles!
I don't really do well with
planning so when it came to
deciding how to feed Douglas I
thought “future Becky can sort
that one out!” I was very 50/50
about wanting to breastfeed. I
didn't ever see myself doing it -
but because of my job I felt quite
a lot of pressure to at least try.
Would it be hypocritical of me to
use formula when in work I talk
about the benefits of
breastfeeding day in and day
out? Would I feel guilty if I chose to
formula feed him, knowing all the
research talks about breast being
best? Am I a bad Health Visitor to
even think about buying a formula
prep machine? Oh, the questions I
asked myself then! And actually,
deep down, it doesn't even matter
to me now.
After he was born and placed on
my chest, the Midwife asked,
"what are your plans for feeding,
Mum?" Mum, S**T! I was a mum!
"Breast" just came out my mouth.
The midwife helped me latch him
on with the words, "ah you'll have
no trouble with him". He was on, I
was feeding my baby and it felt
beautiful.
I noticed he had a tongue tie when
I was down in labour ward, which I
mentioned to the support staff. I
was told nothing would be done
until it showed itself as a concern
and affected our feeding journey.
As a Health Visitor I was aware of
this, but could already feel how
painful feeding was.
The day we were being discharged,
I spoke to a wonderful lady from
the Bosom Buddies who was
realistic and gave me some
fantastic advice. She told me that
breastfeeding shouldn't hurt after
the initial latch, if he was on
properly. She observed me feeding
and told me his latch was great. Yet
it still hurt! I didn't say anything to
her because I was sure it was just
normal now and it was something
I'd become used to. We arrived
home on day two. Happy, proud,
sleep deprived already and boobs
the size of melons.
After the first night home, a night
of 2 hourly wake ups and cluster
feeds, the midwife visited and
confirmed he had a tongue Tie!
Hooray! Someone listened and
confirmed what I actually knew!
By this point my nipples had
already started to shred. He had
also lost 6.5% of his birth weight. I
felt like a complete failure.
I was a health visitor, I knew he had
a tongue tie and I didn't challenge
it. My mental health had started to
become affected and I was only on
day bloody three!
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Day four came, with another
midwife. My left nipple had been
so damaged and I couldn't bring
myself to put Dougie to the breast
- I felt I was failing so miserably at
feeding him. I couldn't feed him off
the left side because the pain was
unbearable, he'd go to latch and I'd
pull away crying. I was crying, he
was crying, and I had family telling
me to just put him on the bottle.
We were advised to offer top up
with formula. I was devastated, not
because I had anything against
formula (remember I was always
50/50) but because I couldn't feed
my baby. I was a professional in
this! I'd been on training for Christ
sake, why was my body failing
him?
Tired and lacking in confidence, I
agreed to top him up with formula
and await an appointment to see
Janet Beech, lactation consultant
with regards to his tongue tie. It
was a long weekend. This isn't as
easy as they have you believe in
books. Something, I had quickly
become so passionate about was
slipping away and starting to affect
my mental health and to top it off,
mothering Sunday came, and our
electric went in our house. We had
to go and stay over with family, not
something you expect to have to
deal with five days into
motherhood!
Day six, at my Mother in laws, I'd
sent hubby to the shops for
cabbages. They help sore boobs,
don't they? He then took me to
the breastfeeding cafe at the
Cheshire Cat. I was welcomed with
open arms, I felt an instant relief to
see Margaret - a colleague and
soon to be Dougie's fairy
godmother and my breastfeeding
guru.
Margaret and Laura that day gave
me some of my confidence
back. Laura took me into the back
and fully assessed my feeding
technique. Yes, I’d done the
training and the voice in my head
that kept saying "come on Bex you
know this"... but boy things are
totally different on the
motherhood side than they are in
the books and power-point
presentations we have been given.
Hands down without the support
of Margaret and other
breastfeeding support team, I
would have given up.
I was informed about the private
lactation clinic which I swiftly
booked us into, but we had a 2
week wait for an NHS
appointment, which I am afraid
would have most definitely put a
stop to our breastfeeding journey.
Out came the credit card with a
“we'll worry about that later”
attitude, and off we went for our
tongue tie appointment the
following day. Dougie had his
tongue cut and feeding improved
in an instant.
Fast forward 6 months and we are
flying. My confidence is sky high
and I have no intention of stopping
any time soon (despite a lot of
advice I'm getting that he needs
food!!). Douglas is on the 75th
centile and chunky. I'd say he's
thriving on my milk thank you very
much. I am starting on food whilst
we are on holiday, we have
decided on baby led weaning,
which I think he'll really enjoy.
I have now put myself forward as a
breastfeeding volunteer as
personally I've learnt so much and
know my experiences will help
other mums before and when I
return to work.
Breastfeeding isn't easy by any
stretch of the imagination. I have
cried, regretted, laughed, been
embarrassed, sent shameless
booby pictures to colleagues,
rejoiced, grown, developed, learnt
but most of all I've developed pride
in myself for going through it all
and not giving up!
Would I choose to breastfeed
again? In a heartbeat.
The best advice I was given and will
always pass on:
Never give up on a bad day.
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Can I Feed in it?
Can I feed in it?
Top Tips for BF Friendly Clothing
By Vicky Brand
Once you are getting into your groove with breastfeeding and are starting to venture out in
public, the question of what to wear to make feeding access easier often comes up. We asked
some experienced breastfeeding Mums for their top tips on feeding friendly clothing that
won’t break the bank, and using existing items in your wardrobe too!
In later pregnancy, try to buy maternity
clothes that are also designed for nursing
- these will get you
through the first few
weeks while you may still
have a tummy.
The ‘two-top method’
involves wearing a vest
top with another looser
top over it. You can get
breastfeeding vest tops
which click up and down or get cheap
ones from many shops. Lift the baggy top
up and the vest down to feed without
exposing your tum.
Button up tops and shirts
are a great option, over a
vest top if you need
more layers
In winter, cardigans and
zip up hoodies keep you
warm but provide easy
access for feeding
Scarves can act as a cover
up or as something for babies to grab hold
of to keep their attention when their eyes
start to wander.
Clothes in dark shades are best for covering
up leaks and baby dribbles.
Invest in a couple of good
quality nursing bras. Many
stores offer a free measuring
service and the cups simply
clip up and down to feed baby
easily.
Choose clothes that are
easy to wash and dry.
Dressing up for events can be difficult,
maternity dresses are available but stretchy
wrap dresses or tops are a good alternative.
Specialist nursing tops
with hidden panels can be
pricey, and harder to find on
the high street (try stores that
stock maternity clothing as a
first port of call).
However, there are lots of
websites that stock specialist
nursing clothes and these can
offer much more choice, and sometimes
better value too.
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My Breastfeeding
Journey - Jemma
My name is Jemma and Magnus is my second
child (there a 12 year 10 month gap between him and
my first). Before and after my eldest was born nobody
even discussed breastfeeding with me so he was
formula fed. With Magnus I was that little bit older
and wiser and my plans were for a natural birth, the
baby to be put on to my chest and he'd latch!! I'd
watched videos on the internet
and bought breastfeeding books to
prepare myself as best as possible
in advance.
All those ideas went massively out
the window when Magnus was
born at 35 weeks and transferred
to neo natal where I didn't get to
have any skin to skin for 3 days and
he was nil by mouth.
I still wanted to feed, so started
expressing 3 hourly from him being
just 12 hours old. I still remember
getting my 1st ounce of milk and
my husband high fiving me! We
quickly got into a routine - I'd
express, be pushed down to neonatal, give them my
milk, say hello to my little man, go back, sterilise and
go to sleep for approx. 1 hour 20 and be back up
again doing the same.
up a large supply whilst in hospital and they said they
would allow me to continue to try the expressing
route.
So, as we did in hospital, I would express every 3
hours, feed him, put him back to sleep, sterilise and
go back to bed. It was so tiring but my boy was
growing!! Margaret from the infant
feeding team came round to check
we were okay and we found Magnus
didn’t seem to be able to latch
properly as his mouth wasn't big
enough. He wasn't even meant to
be here at this stage, due to being
born early.
I then moved on to trying nipple
shields as that's what was
suggested, he'd latch on for a while
and then come off exhausted.
Gradually over time though he
started to take full feeds via the
nipple shields – hooray! I then
wanted to try feeding without
the shields but he didn't seem
interested. One night we went in the bath, and with
my husband pouring warm water on us Magnus
moved up from my tummy and latched! I'd finally
done it!
Magnus had been born at 35 weeks weighing a very
healthy 7 lb 1oz but during his time in neonatal he
dropped to 6lb 7, well over the 10% weight loss the
hospital deemed acceptable. Because of this I was
told that he would need to be bottle fed so that I
could monitor and record his feeds, and formula was
recommended. Not a chance - I hadn't spent lonely
days and nights in my room without my
baby, pumping to get a milk supply to have somebody
tell me to give up on breastfeeding. Luckily I'd built
Due to expressing so much at the beginning I found I
had an oversupply, so I decided to put this to good
use and donated to the milk bank. All in all, my
journey was far from easy but soooooooo worth it!
I've got a strong, healthy and happy 10 and a half
month old little boy and that's all because of my milk.
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Natural Term Breastfeeding -
Jenny’s Feeding Journey
I gave birth to my little boy at home in April 2014. He is
my first baby and it was a fast and traumatic delivery.
He was resuscitated on my dining room table and we
were both transferred into hospital for me to be
stitched in theatre, so we were separated for quite a
few hours immediately following the birth and were
both a bit shocked by his dramatic entrance!
During my pregnancy I never hesitated to say yes when
the midwife asked if I was going to breastfeed, sure I
knew it might be hard, but it wouldn’t be anything I
couldn’t overcome, right?! As it was, it turned out that
breastfeeding my baby would be the hardest thing I
have ever had to do. He lost 10% of his birth weight,
took over 5 weeks to gain it back, had a tongue tie
which we had to have snipped and I had low supply.
With every struggle though the more determined I
became. I accessed every bit of support possible, I got
my health visitor round, the infant feeding team, and
my local breastfeeding group.
My husband was a fantastic support, he did everything
and my only job was to focus on feeding the baby. It
took about 8 weeks but we finally cracked it and
suddenly it was the easiest thing ever. Breastfeeding
became the strongest string to my parenting bow, it
nourished, it comforted, it made him sleep, it took
away pain, it entertained. If I was ever in doubt about
what to do, I offered the breast and it always solved the
problem.
In those early days, I used to think about stopping and I
remember saying. “Oh I'll stop when he gets teeth”. Or
“Oh I'll stop when he can ask for it himself,” and those
sorts of things. As it was though, I only stopped feeding
him a couple of months ago at the grand old age of 3.5
years. We had been down to a bedtime feed for about
a year and before that just at nap times and I don’t
think I had fed him in public since he was about 1.
was so peaceful, I took a photo because I just knew he
wasn’t going to ask again.
At the start I couldn’t have imagined I would feed him
for so long, it didn’t feel strange to be breastfeeding a 3
year old, to me he was just another day older, it was so
normal. I will never stop being thankful for the help I
had to continue through all the problems.
Breastfeeding gave me a power to be a Mother that I
never knew I had and has helped me through some
otherwise rough times - teething, chicken pox, various
illnesses, and long haul flights to name but a few! Now I
am a Bosom Buddy myself, and every day I hope I can
contribute to helping others the way I was helped.
Mums deserve the chance to have the great relationship
with breastfeeding that I eventually had because it
was so, so worth the effort - my biggest achievement so
far!
When it came, the end was natural, it was his choice
and considering the horrible start we had, I couldn’t
have asked for a more beautiful ending. That last feed
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E-mail chester@nct.org.uk for more details
on how to get involved 22
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My Role as a
Bosom Buddy
By Marlena Price-Williams
The moment a baby is born, the world of the
new mum and her family can get turned upside
down instantaneously. The nine months of
waiting culminates in the arrival of this new
addition to the family and suddenly mum is
gifted with the precious treasure she wants the
very best for.
Bosom Buddies are there to support mums who
choose to breastfeed
their babies to help
them start that
breastfeeding journey
successfully and
then be there for
them when they
continue for as long
as the mum and
child wishes for.
In the early days of
the breastfeeding journey Bosom Buddies offer
support on the postnatal ward where they see
mums to offer a listening ear, encouragement
and practical advice about position and
attachment at the breast. But often it is the
chat, the simple words ‘I understand how you
feel’ that offers the most comfort. As peer
supporters, they have been there themselves
having the ups and downs that go with
breastfeeding.
Bosom Buddies are also present in the
community setting at Breastfeeding Support
Groups held weekly in a number of locations in
the area. They come to offer further support
with position and attachment, expressing,
weaning and return to work. Those groups also
provide an informal setting for general chat
about the highs and lows of breastfeeding;
experiences get exchanged, information is
shared and
friendships for life
are made.
I became a Bosom
Buddy because I
valued the support I
received in the early
days
of
breastfeeding. I still
believe that if not for
the individuals I met
alongside my
journey, the outcome might have been different
and I would have not been feeding my children
for a long as I have done. On a bad day, when
you are exhausted, emotionally sensitive, lonely
and far away from loved ones seeing someone
who you can share your daily grind with
provides you with the energy to keep going
another day. I am a Bosom Buddy to help
people to get the support they need and to
make their next day a little bit easier.
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Breastfeeding Friendly
Chester’s Breastival!
By Gemma Bailey
After the huge successes of The Big Feed in Storyhouse
and The Tea Party in Dale Barracks that Breastfeeding
Friendly Chester organised with the help of Bosom
Buddies and NCT in June we decided another event in
September was needed. We spent time brainstorming
and looking back on the previous events. Feedback
given by many people who attended these events was
also really important in our planning. We agreed on a
festival theme and thought up the fantastic name
"Breastival".
Breastival was held in Storyhouse on Sunday 24th
September. We had over 100 families attending
throughout the day and overall the event was a
massive success. We had a range of activities for
families to get involved with, from pram talks and
messy play to taster sessions from other local
businesses including dancing, music and stories. It was
a great way for local groups to showcase what they
have to offer and a great way to entertain the many
children of all ages who came to enjoy the event.
In addition to all of this, we had a fantastic musical
performance and several very interesting guest
speakers. They covered a range of topics from baby
sleep, colic and reflux, food intolerances and skin to
skin. We were also fortunate to have Rehana
Jawadwala share with us her personal feeding journey
with her experiences of tandem feeding.
The support of local businesses was phenomenal and
we were lucky that in addition to having several great
stalls on the day and a super tombola, we were
generously gifted over thirty fantastic prizes for our
raffle.
We received so much positive feedback from families
who attended the Breastival including:
"My child loved the taster sessions,"
"Congratulations to all involved, these sort of events
are so good for local families and have a really good
atmosphere,"
"We had a brilliant day, would love to see more events
like this" to mention just a few.
The main aim of the events we organise are to raise
awareness of Breastfeeding Friendly Chester and also
to raise funds to purchase more ‘Normalising
Breastfeeding’ cards. The feedback we have received
from people giving and receiving the cards is heart
warming and touching, we are so pleased we designed
them.
Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers and to
everyone who attended who helped to make the event
such a success. Watch this space for our next event!
Check out Breastfeeding Friendly Chester’s directory of
breastfeeding friendly businesses in and around Chester
at www.nct.org.uk/branches/chester-7 or find us on
Facebook at
www.facebook.com/breastfeedingfriendlychester 24
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Breastfeeding
Poem
By Heather Ashcroft
I decided to breastfeed, I had this desire…
But what I didn’t know was how I was to tire,
Up all night and in the day too, Sometimes it did make me feel quite blue.
On demand, was the instructions I was given,
And that was tough, but I was driven.
At the start, it did sometimes pinch, And this often made me flinch.
He didn’t always find that latch,
And I did sometimes feel that I wasn’t a good match.
But the shields gave me some light relief,
Which really did help my strong belief.
As I could see my son thrive, It gave me the confidence to continue to strive.
The expressing machine, I had become, Reminded me that I was his ‘Mum.’
He managed to attach himself on to me, This often filled me, with a lot of glee!
My Hubby often told me ‘well done,’ He really was second to none.
So the advice I would provide, May help you as a guide;
Many people out there really care,
So find that network, Which will give you that perk.
Or find the trust, Which is a must.
And lastly, before I adjourn,
Remember the cals, which you will burn!
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Local Breastfeeding
Support Groups
Stanlaw Abbey Children’s Centre
Alnwick Drive
Ellesmere Port CH65 9HE
0151 337 6425
Tuesday 12.30-14.30
Bring your lunch
Portside Children’s Centre
Egerton Street
Ellesmere Port
CH65 2BY
0151 337 6365
Friday 9.30 -11.30
Blacon Children’s Centre
Carlisle Road
Blacon
CH1 5DB
01244 976225
Tuesday 9.30-11.30am
Lache Children’s Centre
Hawthorn Road
Lache
CH4 8HX
01244 977791
Wednesday 11.30-13.00
Bring your lunch
Neston Clinic
Mellock Lane
Little Neston
CH64 9RN
0151 4888 441
Thursday 2 -3.30
Rural Breast Feeding Support Group – Run by La Leche
League
Thursday 10 -11.30
For further details contact:
Parklands Children’s Centre
Parklands, Little Sutton
Ellesmere Port
0151 337 6326
CH66 3RL
Thursday 9.30-11.30
Run by Bosom Buddies only
North Wales Support Groups
Please call 01244 545021 for groups in your
area.
Support is also available via the Bosom Buddies
Facebook Group - search for “Bosom Buddies
Breastfeeding Support Chester and Ellesmere Port”
(Group information correct as of Aug 2017. Please call
centres to confirm times before attending or see
www.coch.nhs.uk )
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Photography and Craft
Fundraising Day
As many of you know
we are fundraising in order
to purchase feed
and change facilities for the branch in order for us to be able to
attend festivals and events in the local area and provide a much
needed service for local parents.
We had a fantastic time at our summer photo and craft fundraising
day which we held with Liam Walsh from Whitebox Photography. It
was a jam packed day of photo shoots and photo frame decorating,
with lots of yummy cake too! We managed to raise over £600 for
our feed and change tent and we had such wonderful feedback on
the images that were received from Liam (at such an amazing price
too!) that we have already held another photo day last month, and
have dates planned for
next year too!
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Our First Feed and
Change Tent at Chester
Pride
A great day was had by all when NCT Chester attended Chester Pride, with our first ever
outing to provide feed and change facilities. We had lots of goodie bags and pinwheels
to give away, and most importantly, gave families at the event somewhere comfy and
clean to feed and change their little ones.
Thank you to all of our volunteers for their energy and enthusiasm that made this such a
success, and especially to our friends at Aberconway and Colwyn NCT for the kind loan
of their tent and facilities.
We hope to see you all at events next year, by which point we should have our own
facilities to use!
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30

Paediatric First Aid
Courses
Our Baby First Aid courses are organised by the lovely Liza who is our First Aid
Coordinator. She can be contacted by email at firstaid.chester@nct.org.uk and can
answer any questions you may have, add you to the wait list for upcoming courses and
give you further details of courses currently available. All courses are taught by
a qualified British Red Cross trainer over a 2 and a half hour period.
Evening and daytime courses are available to meet demand.
Why do a course with us?
We at NCT Chester feel strongly that every parent
should be equipped with the life-saving knowledge
these courses impart, not just for your own
children but also any others whom you may care
for, see on a playdate, meet in the park or
encounter in a social situation. Grandparents, other
family members and even older siblings can also be
taught these crucial techniques.
It is also important to us that these courses are
affordable and accessible to all. As such they can
be booked by anybody for the bargain price of £25
for a single ticket and £45 for a double ticket.
Concessions are available for lower income families
too (please contact us to find out more).
Course content
Courses focus on what to do for a child under
12 months of age but also cover up to the age
of 12 years. Practical demonstrations with time
to master techniques are an integral part of
each session.
Topics include but are not limited to:
Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
The recovery position
Choking
Head trauma & falls
Burns
Fever & seizures
Meningitis
A take home booklet detailing techniques is
given to all participants at no additional cost.
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Nearly
New Sales
Our NCT Nearly New Sales are famous - and for good reason!
The ticketed sales means sellers don’t have to man stalls, and
as items from all sellers are then grouped together by type
(toys together, books together, and all clothes arranged by
size), it is a breeze for our buyers to find the bargains they
are after.
Every item is quality checked before it is put on sale, and as
every item has a ticket, prices are clear and easy to see.
Our October Sale at Catholic High was a huge success, with
50 sellers and hundreds of items available to buy. NCT sales
are different as we are not a business - they help us raise
funds to enable the vital work that NCT does both nationally
and locally to support new parents. This sale raised over
£600 to help with this.
We currently hold two sales a year and our next sale will take
place in the Spring. The sake usually takes place in March,
but watch out for a confirmed date on our Facebook page to
be announced in January. Want to know more about buying
or selling at our sales? Use the contact details below or find
us on Facebook to get in touch.
We have been very lucky to have an organised and
experienced sale co-ordinator in Cindy for the last 18
months, and her hard work has helped make our sales so
successful. After our next sale Cindy will be stepping down
from her role. Could you join our sale team and help build on
our past success? Get in touch at chester@nct.org.uk - we
would love to hear from you
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Our Favourite
Reads
Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy—Lynley Dodd
“We love all the Hairy Maclary books, but the original is
a firm favourite with us. The rhythm and rhyme of the
words make for a really enjoyable read. My little one
especially loves pretending to be Scarface Claw and
doing a big ‘EEEEOOOWWWFFTW’ yowl too! It’s one of
those books she has learned off by heart so can now
‘read’ herself at 3 years old” - Lisa and Effie
Stick Man—Julia Donaldson
“Stickman is the most requested story in our house - it’s
a good job Mummy and Daddy like it as much as our
little man does! Julia Donaldson books make up most of
our toddlers bookshelf but this is definitely his number
1! With an appearance from the jolly man in red at the
end, this is a great book for Christmas time too. And
who doesn’t love a happy ending?” - Claire and Freddie
The Busy Red Tractor - Anna Claybourne
“This was the first book my little boy really loved and
started asking for. As he got bigger he really enjoyed
pointing out things in the colourful pictures and doing
lots of counting too. This quickly became a bedtime
regular with us. He was very excited when he also found
the very Christmassy “The Magic Little Sleigh” at our
local library too!” - Jo and Oliver
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35

Mini Cooks Corner
- Hedgehog Bread
Prep time: 20/30 mins Proving: 45/60 mins Baking: 20mins
Getting your children involved in the kitchen can seem like
a daunting prospect, but with the right (forgiving!) recipes
and a relaxed attitude to a bit of mess, you can have a
really fun time and get some great results that they will be
very proud of too.
This issue we are tackling bread with a simple step by step
guide and a seasonal twist. There are tasks that can be
given to children of all ages, from mixing, stirring and
kneading, to adding ingredients and decorating, so don’t
be afraid, give it a go!
You will need:
340g Strong white bread flour
1 and a half tsp quick acting yeast
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1tsp sugar
220ml warm water (hand hot)
Pinch of salt
Raisins to decorate
Step One:
Mix all of the dry ingredients
together in a bowl. Once
mixed, add in the oil, followed
by the water.
Step Two:
Keep mixing and use your
hands as the mixture starts to
come together as a sticky
dough (If a bit too sticky add a
touch more flour, and too dry
sprinkle on some more water).
Step Four:
Divide dough into 6 equal
parts and shape to look like
hedgehogs with a pointed
nose. Use scissors to cut
spikes into the dough and
loosely cover.
Step Five:
Leave to rise somewhere
warm for about an hour then
add raisins for eyes and nose.
Step Three:
Knead the dough on a lightly
floured surface for around 5
mins
Step Six:
Bake at 200C for about 20
mins, when ready tapping on
the bottom will make a hollow
sound .
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Cheshire Change Hub Weight Management in Pregnancy Referral
Have a chat with your local midwife and ask whether you meet the criteria for
a free 12 week exercise referral
Exercise in Pregnancy – why this is important
The more active you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape
and weight gain. It will help you to cope with labour and get back into shape after the birth.
As a general rule, you should be able to hold a conversation as you exercise when pregnant. If you become
breathless as you talk, then you’re probably exercising too strenuously.
If you weren’t active before you got pregnant, don’t suddenly take up strenuous exercise. Begin with no
more than 15 mins of continuous exercise, three times a week. Increase this gradually to at least four 30-
minute sessions a week
If you are currently exercising, keep up your normal activity or exercise for as long as you feel comfortable.
Most exercises are safe to perform during pregnancy as long as you exercise with caution and do not
overdo it. The safest and most productive activities are swimming, brisk walking, indoor stationary bike
and the Stepper/elliptical trainer.
Pregnancy in exercise - Safety checklist
Exercise in pregnancy is important, but whatever pregnancy exercise you chose, make sure you follow
some basic rules.
Do:
Check with your doctor before you start exercising during pregnancy
Tell your instructor you’re pregnant if attending a class
Eat three to four hours before exercising and immediately after
Try to maintain good posture
Wear layered clothing to aid heat loss, a supportive bra and appropriate footwear
Drink plenty of water – approximately two and a half litres per day ( this is important in the first three
months )
Listen to your body and don’t push yourself. During pregnancy, exercise will place a higher level of
stress on your body so be careful
Stop immediately if you begin to feel uncomfortable
Don’t exercise:
To exhaustion
When it’s very hot or you’re feeling unwell
On your back after 16 weeks
If you have deep pelvic pain or spotting of blood
If you’re getting lots of Braxton Hicks contractions
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What’s On For Kids -
Our Guide
By Melissa Thorp
After a busy half term and before all the Christmas festivities really kick in,
here are our pick of things to do in and around Chester this Autumn.
The Grosvenor Museum
The Grosvenor Museum houses collections exploring the
history of Chester, its art and silver heritage, and its
natural history. They have lots of temporary exhibitions
so there is always something new to see and plenty of
interactive displays for the kids to get involved with.
Find out about life during the Roman military occupation
and visit Castle Street with rooms decorated from the
17th century to the 1920s. From the 1st December the
period rooms will be decked out in festive finery, so you
can discover how the people of Chester have celebrated
Christmas over the last 350 years.
Get crafty?
If you can’t face the mess of crafting at home, or if you
fancy making personalised Christmas gifts from the kids,
then we are spoilt for choice with craft cafes and venues
both in and around Chester. There is everything from
candle making to kiln fired ceramic painting and much
more. Many venues we have tried also have the added advantage of being a
great place to grab some lunch, or a drink and snack.
Chester zoo
Always a firm family favourite, Chester zoo offers
entertainment for all. There are plenty of cafes for
refreshments and to warm up, and there is even a pub in
Oakfield House at the centre of the zoo. A trip to the zoo is
always a great day out; so wrap up warm
and brave it, although there are indoor
enclosures you can take shelter in if the
weather takes a turn for the worst!
Of course, the zoo also puts on a lovely lantern display
(additional ticket purchase required) starting in
November.
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Libraries
Always a good place to while away a couple of hours, there
are books and sometimes games and jigsaws (which all become
exciting by virtue of being in a different place!). See
your local library for details, but rhyme and story sessions for
younger children usually run over the holidays and some libraries
even have special events on that are worth checking
out.
Blue planet
Another firm family favourite (and great for bad weather
days!) there are always new things to see and do at the
Blue Planet. You can spend 1-2 hours there, more if you
stop for lunch in the café. They have daily feeds and talks
to get the most out of a visit and usually have special
events on during the holidays, although they haven’t
advertised anything yet! Also, if you book on their
website in advance you can get discounted tickets.
Grosvenor Garden Centre
Great place to visit just to look at the toys and books, the
tropical fish shop located inside is also worth a visit with
young children. The café has a lovely selection of food and
drink and is family friendly, the toddler play area is free and
good for the little ones and if the weather is any good you
could head out to the adventure
playground which is also free. Join
them for some festive treats with various Christmas
shopping events – and Santa’s arrival on the 25th and
26th November.
Beeston Castle
Beeston Castle offers a lovely walk up a fairly steep hill
– the reward being the view from the top! Kids will be
fascinated by the history and there are lots of season
events to check out. Normal admissions apply.
Chester Cathedral
A peaceful place to stroll around in the very centre
of the city, or to take a break in the café Chester
Cathedral is a lovely place to see in all seasons. Back
for a fifth year - and bigger & better than ever
before! The Spirit of Christmas runs from the end of
November, where the Chester Cathedral cloisters
will be filled with more than 50 majestic Christmas
trees - in support of the Ultrasound Breast Care
Scanner Appeal at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Open daily: Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm, Sun 1pm - 4pm.
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Activity Ideas For
Autumnal Days
Autumn is one of our favourite seasons and
there are so many brilliant (and often free!)
things to do with your little ones to make
the most of the great outdoors, and bring
the outside in too!
Wrap up warm and head to the woods for a
crunchy ramble through the Autumn leaves.
We are lucky to have some great locations
like Delamere Forest really close by, and lots
of kids love the adventure of a nature walk.
Pointing out different birds and trees, or
giving them things to spot can make good
things to chat to them about too, without
feeling too much like learning!
Grab some crayons before heading on your
outdoor adventures in the woods and get
the kids to create some bark rubbings.
Collects lots of colourful dried leaves and
make some seasonal collages too
Check out websites like the RSPB and learn how to make
fat feeders for the birds. This is a great way to get kids
involved in encouraging birds into the garden in the
colder months.
Channel your inner Peppa Pig and go and find some great
big muddy puddles to jump up and down in! Obviously
this is a bit of a weather dependent one (and yes, a bit
messy!) but well worth it for the fun factor!
Wellies and waterproofs (we love all in one puddle suits
for toddlers) are essential for this, and it is a fab way for
energetic little ones to burn off some energy, especially if
the weather has been bad and they have been cooped up
indoors.
And surely being out in cold weather is an excellent
excuse for a warming hot chocolate afterwards too!
Extra marshmallows for ours please!
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* Contacts *
General Enquiries:
Co-Coordinators:
Newsletter Editor:
Chester@nct.org.uk
Coordinator.Chester@nct.org.uk
Newsletter.Chester@nct.org.uk
Advertising Coordinator:
First Aid:
Nearly New Sale:
Facebook:
Firstaid.Chester@nct.org.uk
NNS.Chester@nct.org.uk
www.facebook.com/NCTChester/
* Disclaimer *
The information in this newsletter is for the benefit of NCT (National Childbirth Trust) members and beneficiaries. It may be used only in connecon
with NCT activities and may not be used for any commercial purposes. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily
those of NCT. The information contained in this newsletter should not be reproduced without the editor's consent in writing. The appearance of
n advertisement in this newsletter does not imply endorsement of the company or its products by NCT, nor does it constitute a recommendation.
However, it is always worth mentioning when replying to an advertisement that you saw it in an NCT newsletter. NCT cannot be held liable for
loss, damage or injury arising out of goods sold through any advertisements in this newsletter. Any discount offered to NCT members by any advertisement
is done so entirely at the discretion of the advertiser.
Registered Charity number (England and Wales) 801395; SC041592 (Scotland).
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