European Babywearing Conference

On 6-7 July this year, the European Babywearing Conference will be held in Bristol.  Organised by the School of Babywearing, the aims of the conference are:

To provide continuing education and networking opportunities for parents and professionals interested in babywearing

To promote safe, comfortable babywearing to parents, health and parenting professionals

To promote babywearing businesses and their products and services

For more information, follow the conference page on Facebook.

Flexi-Mum

Through work at Opportunity Plus South West, I am starting an exciting new project - Flexi-Mum.

Flexi-Mum is all about helping Mums improve their work-life balance, feel more confident about their work options, and just generally be a sounding board for whatever it is they need to talk about.  It's all starting properly in February 2013 when we'll be out and about visiting groups of Mums across Devon and Somerset.  If you'd like us to come to a group you attend, give us a call on 0800 043 2440 or get in touch through our Facebook page.

Flexi-Mum is also all about Mums supporting each other, and we also have a Facebook group where you can seek and offer peer support.  This group is still getting started, but after the success of The All Night Milk Bar I am really hoping it will take off.

There is also a Flexi-Mum blog, which will be full of tips for Mums, inspirational stories about Mums who have made different choices in their parenting and careers.  If you'd like to feature on the blog please get in touch! 

Bunting bunting bunting

I'm getting married in April so I am spending every spare moment of time making bunting and tablecloths and whatnot.  In March I'll be back up at Inverteign Family Learning Centre doing a bunting workshop with the Mums and children so that they can decorate the centre for Easter.

Special Sling Make

Last week I did a very special sling make with a lovely lady who was making a sling to use on her wedding day.  Her wedding dress has been made by Angels Carrying Savage Weapons in Nottingham, and she used the same silk to make her sling, so it will be a perfect match!

No pictures to share as yet, everything is top secret for the time being!  But I'd just like to share the lovely feedback she gave:

Had a simply wonderful time with Chloe today. Affirmed as a parent, lovely chat about everything from weddings to work/life balance and a gorgeous sling made into the bargain.

Thank you for your time, your patience and your friendship. xxx

Sling Walk for International Babywearing Week

After a drizzly, wet couple of days, I was pleased to be greeted with some glorious sunshine this morning for our sling walk!

We had a lovely walk along the beach, gave away some great freebies, and then went for a cuppa and a play!

Project Baby Bilum

This blog post came to my attention through Facebook.  Please read Project Baby Bilum for the full story, but in brief, in a village in Papua New Guinea, mothers are going out each day sourcing food for their families.  Because of this they are only breastfeeding their babies two or three times a day, and the babies are not gaining weight as their should.  These women can't afford material for clothes, let along slings, so aren't able to take their babies to collect food with them.

Adriel is appealing for people to donate ring slings.  Ring slings specifically because they are easy to post, adjustable for different mothers and babies, and have a minimum of fabric so won't get used for other things (like clothes).

I will be organising a sling making day (or possibly two) where people can come and make a sling to send to this great cause.  All the materials will be provided.  Please get in touch if you would like more information.

If you are not local to South Devon but would like to get involved, either by making a sling, or donating a sling, please get in touch.

http://themommyhoodmemos.com/2012/10/umis-story-project-baby-bilum/

International Babywearing Week

It's International Babywearing Week from 8 - 14 October 2012.

There are events going on all over the world to celebrate the joy of babywearing.

We will be doing a sling walk in Teignmouth on Friday 12th October 2012, meeting at the Pier at 10.30am.  Pregnant ladies, pushchairs, experienced babywearers and sling newbies all welcome!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/107855342704989/