SPRING 2016

Dunstable & District 

Branch Newsletter

2

Spring 2016 

Branch News 4 

New Members & Birth Announcements 5 

Welcome to the Branch 6-7 

Useful Numbers and Websites 8 

Double Trouble 10-11 

Pregnancy Hormones 12 

To have and to hold 13 

Nearly New Sale 14-15 

Events Planner 20 

Breastfeeding Brasseries and Helplines 21 

Baby First Aid Courses 26-27 

That tricky work-life balance… keeping it from tilting 28-29 

Premature Baby, Rebecca’s Birth Story 30-31 

Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) - My personal experience 32-33 

What’s on in the Community 34-35 

Post Holders 36 

© Copyright Dunstable and District NCT 2015 

Volunteering Vacancies 37 

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Branch News 

Welcome to the spring newsletter! 

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Deakin-White Estate Agents have agreed to 

sponsor our Nearly New Sale in May. Thanks to their generosity we have been able to 

secure a MUCH bigger venue so that we can expand our sales. We look forward to seeing 

you all at The Incuba on 21st May. See pages 14-15 for details. 

We are also very excited to have our first ever Baby First Aid course in place, in 

association with the British Red Cross. Spaces are filling very fast so book today to avoid 

disappointment. See pages 26-27 for details. 

The branch is run entirely by volunteers so we really need your help and involvement to 

support and build upon our current branch activities. Check the vacancies page at the back 

of the newsletter if you’re interested in getting involved. 

Amy Ivins 

Branch Coordinator 

Check out the NCT Shop for great deals on maternity and baby items. If you use our 

branch affiliate code BRNCT539 5% commission will go to Dunstable & District branch. 

http://nctshopaffiliate.co.uk/idevaffiliate.php?id=167 

Deadline for the summer issue: 1st May 2016 

Front cover photo: Ezekiel, by Hannah Perch 

Join our Facebook page to keep up to date on all of 

our local events and activities. 

www.facebook.com/dunstablenct 

You can also follow us on Twitter: 

COPY DATE FOR SUMMER NEWSLETTER: 

@nctdunstable 

12th August 2013 

Email: dunstable@nct.org.uk Phone: 07876 351437 

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New Members 

Welcome to our new members who have joined since the last newsletter was issued. We 

look forward to meeting you at our social events. 

Caroline Peak & Damian Larrington 

Patricia Wells & Peter Matthews 

Katie & Karl Chapman 

Rachel & Adam Corbett 

If you would like to become a member of the NCT, please contact our Membership 

Secretary on membership.dunstable@nct.org.uk, call 0300 330 0700 or join online at 

www.nct.org.uk/support-us/join 

Birth Announcements 

Lauren Watkins and Kevin Taylor 

Louis Haydn Taylor 

8.12.15 

9lb 4oz 

Nesrine and Arkadiusz Palinski 

Ethan 

5.12.15 

Nicky Cove and Paul King 

Rachel and Riaz Richards 

Zavier 

18.12.15 

7lb 4oz 

Katy and Mark Klymyszyn 

Addison Eileen Klymyszym 

16.12.15 

8lb 7oz 

Ethan Louis Cove 

20.11.15 

7lb 6oz 

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Welcome to the Dunstable & District Branch of the 

National Childbirth Trust 

Registered Charity Number: 801395 

We aim to provide support, information and friendship, so that all parents have an 

experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives 

them confidence in being a parent. 

Please email dunstable@nct.org.uk to contact the branch. 

Activities are open to members and non-members alike. Please do consider joining as 

membership enables all of the activities below to continue. 

Fundraising 

We are always looking for new and exciting ideas in order to raise funds and reduce 

costs. If you are able to help in any way then please contact us. 

Newsletter 

A quarterly newsletter is published and distributed to all members, libraries and 

doctors surgeries in the area. Articles on a variety of pregnancy or parenting topics 

are always welcomed. If you would like to contribute to the content please email 

dunstable@nct.org.uk 

Social Events 

We try to hold at least one social event a quarter ranging from dinner, pub quizzes and 

Chocoholics Evenings. 

Bumps and Babies Group 

A group for expectant parents and those with babies of pre-crawling age, held 

fortnightly. 

Baby Walkers 

Join us for a stroll with buggies, babies, toddlers & bumps. 

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Home Birth Support 

For those planning a homebirth contact our experienced volunteer for support. 

Allergy Support Group 

This group provides the opportunity to talk to other parents who share the same 

concerns and worries about allergies. It is a place to swap recipe ideas, discuss your 

child’s on going treatment, as well as offering support to other families that are in a 

similar situation. Please note this is a support group for parents facilitated by parents 

with no medical qualifications. 

Bra Fitting 

It can be difficult to find a bra that is both pretty and practical whilst pregnant or 

breast feeding. Janet from Mid Beds NCT covers the Dunstable and District area for 

bra fitting. Please email janet.sidwick@btinternet.com for more details. 

Mini Explorers 

A group for parents with children aged 0-5. We vary our activities from soft play, to 

swimming to walks in the woods. The group is great for meeting other local parents 

with children of a similar age. Email dunstable@nct.org.uk for details. 

Membership 

If you would like to become a member of the NCT, please contact our Membership 

Secretary on membership.dunstable@nct.org.uk, call 0300 330 0700 or join online at 

www.nct.org.uk/support-us/join 

Breast Pump Hire 

If your baby is in special care, you are returning to work or are separated from your 

baby for any reason, an electric pump may be invaluable to you. Contact us on 

dunstable@nct.org.uk for more information. 

Nearly New Sales 

We normally have 2 to 3 sales a year, a great chance to buy high quality second hand 

goods at a reasonable price, and also sell things your baby or 

child has grown out of. Toys, books, maternity clothes and 

equipment, children’s and baby clothes. Buggies, cots and 

other equipment. For more information contact us on 

nns.dunstable@nct.org.uk 

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NCT Useful Numbers and Websites 

The National Childbirth Trust wants all parents to have an experience of 

pregnancy, birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them 

confidence in being a parent. Donations to support our work are welcome. 

Registered company no. 2370573 

Registered office: Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH. 

Registered charity no. 801395 (England and Wales). 

Telephone Numbers 

0300 330 0700 

Option 1: Help feeding your baby 

Option 2: Course information 

Option 3: Pregnancy, birth and life with a new baby 

Option 4: General enquiries 

NCT Shop 0845 8100 100 

Websites 

Main website: www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/dunstable 

NCT Shop: www.nctshop.co.uk 

NCT Course Bookings: www.nct.org.uk/courses 

Dunstable & District Branch Facebook Page: 

www.facebook.com/dunstablenct 

Twitter: @nctdunstable 

Email 

National NCT: enquiries@nct.org.uk 

Dunstable & District Branch: dunstable@nct.org.uk 

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Double trouble? 

by Alice Reade 

Our daughter was nearly 18 months old when we found out 

her baby brother or sister was on the way. We were 

delighted, the family would be complete! Everyone said 'the 

second fits in like a dream', 'you're more confident' etc etc 

but I was nervous- I was only just managing the one- how was 

I going to do all the baby stuff again with a toddler in tow? 

The challenge started before baby 2 even arrived. I had the 

severe form of sickness and was vomiting up to 30 times a 

day for 2 months. I was dehydrated and weak and either in 

hospital or bed bound. I knew I had to keep the baby alive 

but I missed my daughter incredibly. Everyone else was 

looking after her, I was too weak to even pick her up. The 

guilt was awful. 

Our baby boy arrived safely but after complications I was told to stay in the hospital to 

recover. But I insisted on coming home– I didn't want to be away from my daughter and 

I wanted to get home to be all together. In hindsight however, once I got home, the 

baby did just have to fit in to normal life- I wish I had stayed in and spent those 

previous first few hours just with him. There's that good old guilt again! 

We had read every childrens 'new baby' book published to our daughter. The awful 

worry on my mind was that she would feel unloved and replaced somehow. When the 

baby arrived she was incredibly accepting to have her brother. But she was a toddler, 

and very used to getting her way straight away. Her sleep was also disturbed with the 

waking baby. It was a juggle. 

Life slowed down. Tiredness was extreme. There was no 

chance to 'sleep when the baby sleeps'. If there ever was 

a day when both children would nap at the same time it was 

the most joyous miracle! 

I managed to figure out a few techniques. I had an indoor 

pram so that when I needed to be in the kitchen, I wheeled 

the baby in with me so the toddler could play in the front 

room with no danger to the baby. I had a downstairs 

changing mat with all the kit, nappies, spare clothes to save 

trips upstairs. I tried to batch cook meals for easy 

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lunches. The cafe at the zoo was my sanctuary to take 

my daughter for lunch while the baby slept. Not to 

mention Cbeebies which was a lifesaver! 

There were some stupid moments that I'll never forgetthe 

toddler was potty training at the same time as the 

baby was weaning. With the baby happily in the high 

chair with food, the toddler had had a full poo accident. 

The only solution was to drag the high chair, complete 

with baby, to the doorway of the toilet so that toddler 

could be cleaned down while baby was in sight to watch 

for choking. Talk about thinking on your feet! 

We made it, we all survived, they are now 5 and 3 but I still feel guilty that one child 

has got more or less than the other, or I didn't do the things with my second that I did 

with my first. I think (hope) this is normal motherhood guilt. They truthfully have had 

to compromise for the other, but in lots of ways that is real life. And when I see them 

play together, I know that they have already more than benefited from the company, 

friendship and loyalty of having each other. There's absolutely no guilt in that! 

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Pregnancy Hormones 

Changes in hormones during pregnancy can cause physical changes and mood swings. Hormones 

are chemicals that circulate in the blood, and they have powerful and varied functions. 

Different hormones regulate body functions and carry messages from one part of the body to 

another. Hormones recognise emotional triggers; they can cause you to cry when you are sad and 

to react to fear or danger with the ‘fight or flight’ response. 

Hormones (during pregnancy) are there to help regulate the many changes taking place to 

enable your baby to be born safely. Understanding what the hormones are doing may help you 

understand the changes in your body, and help decide what’s normal and what may not be. Some 

of the most significant hormones in pregnancy are oestrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, 

endorphins, prolactin. Hormones also play an important part in the process of birth. 

Conception and hormones in early pregnancy 

During early pregnancy, the female hormones (which include oestrogen and progesterone) have 

helped release an egg from your ovary and implant it in the lining of your uterus. 

You will have higher levels of both of these hormones as they help to create the necessary 

increase in blood supply, especially to the uterus and your breasts. Progesterone and another 

hormone, relaxin, also enable the muscles of the uterus to relax to make room for the growing 

baby. The change may affect other muscles in the body, which can sometimes make your joints 

and your back ache and affect your pelvic floor. The relaxed muscles and tissues in your 

digestive system may also contribute to experiences such asheartburn, nausea, and constipation. 

Hormones and emotions during pregnancy 

The altered hormone levels can affect how you feel. You may at times feel low or tearful or be 

easily irritated. For a while, you may experience mood swings during pregnancy or feel that 

your emotions are out of control. Often these symptoms ease after the first three months of 

being pregnant. The feelings of loss of control are also linked to the changes in your body, and 

it is a good idea to remind yourself that they are all designed to provide a healthy environment 

for your growing baby and to help you give birth without problems. 

Pelvic floor 

The pelvic girdle is the system of bones that surround and protect your uterus and other organs 

in this area. Its base, the pelvic floor, is a network of muscles and ligaments which support the 

organs, including the expanding uterus with the baby inside. The softening of the tissue caused 

by the relaxin hormone means these ligaments are more elastic to help when the baby is born, 

but the muscles need to be kept strong with pelvic floor exercises. 

Hormones later in pregnancy 

For many women – though not all – the middle months see a return of energy levels and an end to 

nausea and some other problems of the early weeks. You may find that the actions of hormones 

now make your skin glow and your hair shine – this is the ‘blooming’ stage that others often 

notice. Your shape may become more visible and you may feel able to be more public about the 

fact that you are pregnant. The risk of miscarriage reduces as you leave the first trimester, 

and many women begin to feel more confident in their pregnancy. 

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To have and to hold 

by Alice Reade 

A colleague at work had brought in her 6 week old baby to the office. I was 8 months 

pregnant with my first and in the full throws of baby books, NCT classes, hospital visits etc 

etc. I was quite simply in awe of this woman who had survived it! 

While I was quizzing her I just couldn't stop worrying about 

what was happening to her baby. The room of 20 or so of our 

colleagues were stood around in a circle and the baby was 

being passed round to each person. He was crying and 

screaming so loudly his face was red and legs were kicking 

away. I was no expert having never held a baby in my life, but 

no one was supporting his head as he was being passed on. We 

had just talked about the dangers of smoke around babies and 

I knew at least one of our colleagues holding the baby was a heavy smoker. Never mind 

about the office germs hanging about! 

My colleague, bless her, was busily chatting to everyone and eating her sandwich (she was 

explaining that breast feeding makes you constantly hungry). In hindsight I know she was 

probably relieved for the break from baby and to have adult company. But for me, I didn't 

like it. 

Of course family and friends will want to meet and cuddle our baby but does everyone have 

to hold the baby? Would I like to be passed round all these strange people? A very 

possessive and protective instinct kicked in. Luckily, my husband shared this. 

We asked our NCT antenatal class leader what she thought. She instilled confidence in us 

with a smile and strong reminder "it's your baby". The potential issues such a the chemicals 

from smokers and need for head support were real issues. Most wonderfully, she also gave 

us some tactics to politely stop the 'pass the baby' issue! 

Our baby girl arrived safely and our protective instinct only grew. I had put off visits to 

work but when it was time to go in, the tactics from our NCT leader were ace. The baby was 

settled in the pram and was wheeled round for all to 'view'. When people asked to hold her 

we politely said that she was settled in her pram so we better leave her. When she got 

unsettled I whisked her off for a feed and change. 

I know people were disappointed not to hold her but it was such a relief. I didn't want to 

see her being passed around, she was mine and I wanted to protect her. But more than that 

I was empowered. I had trusted my instincts and had been assertive to do what I thought 

was right for my baby. 

13

Quick guide to the Nearly New Sale 

selling process 

1) Register your interest as a seller by emailing 

nnsdunstable@nct.org.uk 

2) A link to online registration will be sent to you when 

registration opens. 

3) Complete the online registration. 

4) Print and attach labels to your items. (These will be 

emailed or sent to you via a link) . Labels have 2 

sections, one side is cut off at the till so that we 

know what you have sold and the other side stays 

attached to the item. 

5) Write your seller number, a description of the item 

and the price on each label. 

6) Drop off your items at the sale hall. 

7) Volunteer to help out at the sale if you would like to 

be charged a lower commission, or go home and put 

your feet up while we sell your items. 

8) After the sale your unsold items will be packed into 

a bag for you to collect. 

9) Labels from the items that you sold will be added up 

and you will be sent your profits (minus our 

commission) via BACS. 

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NCT Events Planner 

Email us or check our Facebook event page for confirmation of dates, times and venues and 

additional events, groups and activities: 


www.facebook.com/dunstablenct/events 

March 

3rd 

1pm-2.30pm 

Baby Walkers 

Check our FB events 

page for details 

Join us for a stroll with 

buggies, babies & toddlers. 


9th, 23rd 

1pm-2.30pm 

Bumps & Babies 

Dunstable Baptist 

Church Hall 

For expectant parents and 

those with pre-crawlers. 


April 

TBC 

1pm- 

2.30pm 

Baby Walkers 






13th, 27th 

1pm- 

2.30pm 



Church Hall 




May 

11th, 25th 

1pm- 

2.30pm 



Church Hall 




TBC 

1pm- 

2.30pm 

Baby Walkers 






21st 

11.30am- 

1pm 

Nearly New Sale 

The Incuba, 1 Brewers 

Hill Road, Dunstable 

11am entry for members. 

£1.50 per adult. 

No buggies in the sales hall. 


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To hire a hospital grade breast 

pump from the NCT contact your 

local volunteer agent: 

Sally Thurbon 

07932 669287 


Allergy Support Group 

Does your child have food allergies? 

Are they on a restrictive diet? Are you 

concerned about how a (pre)school will 

be able to cope with their individual 

needs? 

Come and talk to other parents who are 

experiencing similar challenges. 

This is a support group for parents 

facilitated by parents. I have no 

medical knowledge, only the 

experiences I have gained from going 

through exclusion diets with our son 

and trying to find out what he's allergic 

to. I can help source foods and give 

general advice and support. 

For further information and details of 

meetings, please contact Laura: 

07725 806866 

laurahart27@hotmail.com 

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Baby First Aid Courses 

NCT has teamed up with the British Red Cross to offer you the 

chance to learn vital first aid skills that could one day save your 

child’s life. 

NCT Baby first aid courses have been uniquely designed with you in 

mind. The content is specifically relevant to parents and carers of 

babies and pre-school children and covers topics that we know can be 

a worry for parents such as CPR, choking, burns and meningitis. The 

courses are just 2.5 hours long; perfect for learning the simple 

procedures that you need in an emergency but short enough to fit 

into your busy schedule. 

Our Baby first aid courses will remove any fears you have about 

delivering first aid in an emergency situation. The British Red Cross 

are the leading providers of first aid training in the UK and their 

expert trainers will give you plenty of practise in life saving 

techniques and lots of opportunity to ask questions. 

For just £25, or £45 for a couple (concessions available for those on 

a low income), you can book your place on one of our upcoming courses 

at Kensworth Village Hall on 25th June 2016. 

Morning course - 10am to 12.30pm 

Afternoon course - 2pm to 4.30pm 

To book your place email dunstable@nct.org.uk and we will send you 

the booking link. 

Spaces are filling very fast, so book soon to avoid disappointment. 

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That tricky work-life balance… keeping it from tilting 

by Megan, NCT Haringey 

I used to take my daughter Anis to school in the morning before going to work. As a managing 

director of an architectural engineering firm in the UAE, I wouldn’t be able to drop what I was doing 

in time for school pick-up, so the school bus was a good option. Every morning Anis would say, “It’s 

not fair, ALLLLLL the other mums pick up their kids from school, why can’t you get me?” 

I was pregnant, and when the rewind button was pressed, I said to Anis, “Once your little sister 

comes along, I’ll be able to pick you up”. And I did. After four days, I left baby Lily with Grandma 

and took Anis to see a school production of ‘Oliver’. On the way back home, she told me that actually 

she missed her school bus pals and could she come home on the bus again. I’d disrupted her routine. 

And my routine was about to be disrupted too. Apart from having a newborn in the house, I made a 

drastic decision to leave the country and come back home to London so that the girls could see more 

of their dad (who was commuting from his studio in London roughly every three weeks to see us in 

Abu Dhabi). 

The company I worked with were very understanding, and offered that I continue to work two days 

a week from home until they found someone to replace me. It took longer than expected. I thought, 

“So this is this thing called a work-life balance”. I was occasionally going into the office in 

Clerkenwell to meet London-based colleagues. One day, when Lily was about seven months old, I was 

due to meet our CEO. I had prepared Lily’s food, with love, and put it in a bowl in the fridge. I 

thought I’d have plenty of time to get the peripherals that go with child feeding together before 

going to Grandma’s. As it happened, I received an urgent call, and was thoroughly rushed. I went to 

get the food, then changed my mind, opting for a pre-packed food pouch, which have come to my 

rescue on so many occasions. On the way to work, I thought, “That’s silly. I’ll go to the supermarket 

and buy a zipped pouch with a nozzle on it, so that I can put my own good stuff in there.” I couldn’t 

find what I was looking for, so I called up my cousin who has a packaging company and ran the idea of 

making these pouches through with him. “No problem”, he said. 

One thing led to another and before we knew it, we were making prototypes. I called up Alex next 

who is a brilliant market researcher, and she organised a very thorough set of questions and groups 

to help develop the concept, as well as get feedback from the use of the pouches. The responses 

were so encouraging that we were propelled to continue. We met parents in Bedfordshire, North 

London (with one of our focus groups in Crouch End), South London (Clapham South) and many 

individual interviews both in this country and abroad, all of them adding something without 

exception. One of the best things that came out of my numerous designs, trying to get the 

ergonomics right in Lily’s hands was the size. The optimal size I found to be 100ml. Guess what. That 

opens up a whole new market who can now use them. Ray, my husband who travels a lot, decants his 

hair gel and facial wash into them, and we have found that you don’t need to be a baby to have a use 

for these. Anis makes smoothies. We freeze them, then she puts one in with her snack box to keep 

things cool and she can drink it afterwards. They’re good for anything that is of a consistently 

gloopy nature. Big chunks of food don’t agree with DoddleBags. 

The brush I’ve developed makes it a doddle to be creative without too much mess. There must be 

101 uses, but so far I’ve only tried out about 53. You can stick them in the dishwasher as well as the 

freezer so that makes them re-usable as well as recyclable. This was a very important aspect of the 

28

pouch for almost all the parents who tested it, and at first I was sceptical about how well they 

would last, but it turns out that they are actually tough and again the feedback was great on this 

front. 

Starting a new business in a field one has never worked in is always daunting, but I am fortunate to 

have a diverse group of friends who have helped and an incredibly supportive family who have 

encouraged me along the way. I read somewhere that setting up a new business takes at least 18 

hours a day for the first 18 months, but since I’d had a taster of that work-life balance, I wasn’t 

prepared to give it up. It takes a lot of organisation and after bedtime strategising, to be able to 

continue to spend Mondays and Fridays with Lily. Going to the zoo is our current favourite, and I 

always find these adventures inspiring, often leading to new thoughts about what else to develop to 

go with Doddlebags, or other uses that I hadn’t thought of before. 

I don’t think I’ve thought much about architecture since handing over the reins to my successor. It’s 

been a long journey to get DoddleBags off the ground, but it’s close now. We’re launching in 

September, and though the balance is tilting a bit towards frantic, I am still able to pick up Anis 

from school and be there for cartwheels across the lawn, piano practice (Uggghh, I’d happily give up 

that pain!) continue to make supper, do the bath time, bed time routine, and sing (I’ve joined the 

Primrose Hill Singers). 

Advice to others wanting to start out with something new? I don’t think I’m qualified to say, but I 

guess being creatively inclined, sociable, optimistic and having a great support network are all key 

ingredients! 

29

Premature Baby, Rebecca’s Birth Story 

Liz Payne 

Matt and I were both really excited when we discovered that I was pregnant: we’d been trying for 

nearly a year and had just started using the ‘temperature method’, to understand my body better. I 

always thought I’d feel different somehow when I got pregnant and I was right – I did a test and it 

was positive! 

I was very careful during my pregnancy – no alcohol, soft cheese or peanuts, loads of fruit and 

vegetables and lots of nutrient-packed recipes. My job was quite stressful, so I probably didn’t rest 

enough, but apart from a couple of scary bleeds early on, my blood pressure, growth and general 

health were great throughout. 

I’ve always been a very busy and organised person – my friends always tease me that there’s a list of 

‘things to do’ in every room in my house - so I thought that leaving work in my 33rd week would give 

me lots of time to get ready – how wrong I was! 

My last couple of weeks at work were very hectic with lots of rushing around, so I booked a pamper 

day to de-stress with lots of lovely massage and relaxation. We’d been to our first two NCT 

antenatal classes (of course, I was the one with the notepad, making lists of things to buy and things 

to do) and felt more knowledgeable than we were before. There were only five couples in our group, 

so we had plenty of chance to get to know each other and in the first two sessions covered the 

labour/hospital bag (more lists!) and did some exercises to use in the first stage of labour. We were 

both looking forward to the next instalment! 

A day later and while cleaning the bathroom I began to feel dull stomach cramps, which I put down 

to ‘Braxton Hicks’; however, my pains became worse. I remember being surprised at how painful 

these ‘practice contractions’ were, but at no time did I possibly imagine myself to be in labour: I still 

had 7 weeks to go! The pains continued into the evening, and at 10.30pm, we went upstairs, but the 

pain was too much for me to lie down, and I had to keep bracing myself against the bed. By now, my 

husband Matt was counting between contractions. I think that they were 3-4 minutes apart. By 

11pm I felt the urge to go to the toilet, which I did and saw blood! Matt then suggested (calmly) 

that we phone the hospital and go down there for a check-up. He told me later that he’d been 

reading the section in one of my books about premature births and the blood apparently alerted him 

to the possibility that we were having one. The hospital asked me to come down, so I threw a 

nightie, toothbrush, pants and a book in a bag in case they kept me in overnight (some labour bag!!). 

When we arrived at hospital, they attached me to a monitor. The baby’s heart was beating and I was 

fine, so I kept standing by the bed to ease the pain. It was quite easy to do that while still being 

attached to the monitor. At first, they told me that if I was having my baby, they would have to 

move me to another hospital, because they had no incubators free, but when the Registrar examined 

me and confirmed that I was 7cm dilated, there was no time to go anywhere else! 

The next thing I knew, my waters broke and I was transferred to a delivery room. All the big ideas 

30

I had about staying at home till my waters broke, playing music and birthing balls all seemed a 

distant memory – I was giving birth in a rush! Luckily, Matt and I had discussed the ‘pain relief’ part 

of our birth plan, so when I was asked if I wanted pethidine I declined and later, when offered gas 

and air I also said no. The weird thing is, at no stage did I panic, because it all seemed so surreal 

and happened so fast. By 0130, I felt a strange feeling and the midwife asked if I wanted to push. 

I wasn’t sure: this was a bit that we hadn’t covered yet in our classes! So I pushed. Matt was 

brilliant, holding my hand and telling me how well I was doing. He told me later that he was really 

scared that something might go wrong (especially when the baby’s heart beat dropped and they were 

talking about doing an episiotomy). However, just then they said they could see the baby’s head, I 

pushed once more and she flew out onto the bed with a scream! 

We hadn’t decided on a girl’s name, but looking at her we decided on Rebecca. We were allowed to 

hold her for just a few minutes and then she was taken to the Special Care Baby Unit. The next 

couple of hours were quite strange because we were then left on our own – having had the birth 

experience we had no baby! Before Matt left at about 0630, they took us down to the baby unit to 

see Rebecca. She looked so tiny in the incubator but we were so lucky – although she was just 4lb 

1oz and needed help with temperature control, she was breathing entirely by herself! Matt went 

off to tell the grandparents – they were all very surprised but pleased and wanted to come and see 

us as soon as possible! 

I was transferred to the maternity ward, but this felt very strange, as I was alone without my baby. 

The Baby Unit gave me a polaroid of Rebecca for my bedside table, but it still felt a bit like I’d 

waited all year for Christmas and then had my presents taken away! I didn’t have time to feel sorry 

for myself though, because I had to get on with expressing milk for my Rebecca. She started on 

glucose solution, but the nurses said that she could have milk in a couple of days. The midwives had 

me on the electric pump every 4 hours. At first, my chart made very boring reading – 10 minutes 

each side, 3 drops produced - but by Wednesday, I was producing 30 millilitres in 15 minutes – from 

each side! It was great, because I knew my daughter would be having my milk and antibodies, even 

though it was through a tube. 

The nurses in the Baby Unit were great. They showed me how to change her nappy through the 

holes in the incubator and on the second day, they helped me do skin-to-skin contact with her. It is 

called ‘Kangaroo Care’ and it helps with bonding because the baby can feel your heartbeat. It was 

the most beautiful feeling - they took her out of the incubator and put her down the front of my 

nightie! It was amazing - she felt soft, warm and cosy and seemed very happy there! 

Rebecca was a fighter and was in a cot after 3 days. At the end of the first week, the nurse put 

her to my breast and she had a few sucks. This was brilliant because apparently, usually the suckling 

action doesn’t come until 34 weeks. Every day after that we did more and more with tube top-ups of 

my breast milk in-between. At the end of three weeks I was doing all but two night feeds, so I 

spent a night in the ‘flat’ attached to the Baby Unit, to see if we could breastfeed fully for 24 

hours. All went well and we, the proud parents were finally able to take our little bundle home. We 

were excited, but rather scared as she was so tiny, but the aftercare support from the Baby Unit 

was fantastic and my NCT group were all happy to visit, keep me company and see what was yet to 

come for them. It certainly urged them to get their labour bags packed! 

Our experience was certainly unexpected, but our beautiful little girl was worth it and it just goes 

to show – you can’t plan for everything and your baby will always surprise you!! 

31

Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) - My personal experience 

by Alice Tuson, St Albans branch 

Obstetric cholestasis (OC) is a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It has impacted my life 

as both of my pregnancies have been complicated with this condition. Here is my personal story and 

some more information on OC. 

My experience with OC began with my first baby, Thomas, in 2008. I had a normal pregnancy until 

33 weeks but then at night, I would notice how itchy my legs were. I thought it must be my pajama 

trousers or perhaps I just didn’t notice any itchiness in the day as I was busy at work. Anyhow, the 

itchiness seemed to become far more noticeable especially on the soles of the feet. I mentioned it 

to my midwife (a friend had OC so I knew itchiness was something to mention). I had blood tests 

done immediately and the results were elevated. It was then that I shared that my mother had a 

stillbirth (no known cause) so because of this I was sent over immediately to the day assessment 

unit at the hospital, where they did liver function and bile acid tests every few days as well as CTG 

monitoring of the baby and a scan. At 37+6 weeks, when I was being monitored, the registrar was 

not happy with the baby’s heartbeat trace - they were worried he was showing some signs of 

discomfort - so they admitted me immediately for induction. I was very lucky and the induction went 

very well, just 1 pessary and he was on his way! 

With my second baby, Erin, in 2010, I had blood tests regularly throughout the pregnancy. I didn’t 

feel I had any symptoms (although I now realise the cramps I started getting at around 30 weeks 

were actually right upper quadrant pain which can be associated with the condition) but my bloods 

remained normal. At my appointment with the midwife at 36 weeks, I said I was going to relax now 

and stop worrying about developing OC (there is a 60 – 90% chance you will get OC in subsequent 

pregnancies) but she suggested I get ‘one’ last blood test. I went to the hospital feeling that it was 

a hassle and to my real surprise my blood levels were elevated and so I was then at the day 

assessment unit just about every day for a week. It was surprising how itchy I got throughout the 

week, all over and especially at night and far worse than I remembered with Thomas. I then had 

some very bad right upper quadrant pain so I went straight over to delivery suite. I was admitted 

immediately at 37+1 weeks. My baby girl arrived safely after another successful induction. 

With both pregnancies I experienced the last few weeks as a time of feeling very anxious and unwell 

but my babies are both healthy and that’s all that matters, I’m so thankful. The care I received in 

both pregnancies was, on the whole, fantastic, but I remember with sadness one registrar who didn’t 

believe OC was a serious condition. This led me to become determined to help raise awareness of 

OC. Below is some information on OC, but if you are ever worried, see the links below : 

What is obstetric cholestasis (OC)? 

(note: it can also referred to as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) 

OC is a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It affects up to 1% of UK mums to be. 

It is a condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is reduced leading to raised bile salts 

(also referred to as bile acids), in their blood. 

What are the symptoms? 

Pruritus (itching without a rash) – that can be mild or so severe that women may scratch their 

32

skin until it bleeds. It can be constant or intermittent and it typically affects the hands and feet 

but may occur anywhere on the body. It is usually worse at night and therefore disturbs the 

woman’s sleep. 

Other symptoms that may occur include: pale stools, dark urine, pain in the top of the right hand 

side of the abdomen (this is not common) and jaundice; yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes 

(this is also not common, affecting less than 20% of women with OC). It is also not uncommon for 

women to feel generally unwell, tired and to lose their appetite. 

What are the concerns/risks? 

Concerns for the Baby: 

 

 

 

 

OC has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of spontaneous premature birth, 

foetal distress, meconium staining and in severe cases, stillbirth. 

Most hospitals choose to monitor women with OC more closely and to deliver the babies early 

(between 37 and 38 weeks) in order to minimize any risks. 

It is important to note that with active management (which usually means treatment and 

choosing to deliver early) the risk of stillbirth in an OC pregnancy is believed to be the same 

as that for a normal pregnancy (1%). 

There is no evidence to show that there is any long term effect on the baby after having OC. 

Concerns for the Mother: 

 

 

 

OC can be a distressing condition for the mother but the symptoms will resolve soon after the 

baby is born. 

So far, there is no evidence to show that it has any long term affect on women’s health except 

studies indicate that gallstones occur more commonly in women who have had OC and there is 

now some thought that women with OC are predisposed towards developing metabolic disease 

such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease; researchers are just beginning to study this. 

There is a small chance that some women will bleed heavily following the delivery of their baby, 

but treatment with oral vitamin K may prevent this (sorry, there is absolutely no evidence to 

support this). 

How is it diagnosed? 

 

 

To make the diagnosis of OC, other liver conditions need to be ruled out first with either 

blood tests or liver ultra sound scanning 

Blood tests: 

Liver function tests (LFT’s) are looking at how well the liver is working by measuring levels of 

different enzymes 

Bile acid test – this test is believed to be the most specific test for OC. 

What is the treatment? 

Unfortunately there is no cure for OC, but there are treatments available that are aimed at 

relieving the itch. Some may also help to protect the baby, such as Ursodeoxycholic Acid, although 

this drug still needs to be clinically evaluated through a large random controlled trial. 

Where can you get more information about OC? 

www.ocsupport.org.uk and www.britishlivertrust.org.uk 

33

What’s on in the Community….. 

These activities are not organised by NCT. Details are correct at the time of printing. 

Baby & Toddler Groups 

Event Day and time Details Contact 

Methodist Church Toddler Group 

Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable 

Mon 10am-11.30am 

Weds 13.30-3pm 

Term time only 

Ages 0-3 

Refreshments included 

Mrs A Jenkins 

01582 476229 

Toddlers! The Way, 

West Street Christian Centre 

Mon 9.30-11am 


£1 suggested donation 01582 661621 

Parents, Carers & Tots 

4 Tavistock Place, Tavistock Street 

Mon & Wed 

9.45-11.45am 

All year 

£2.50 per child 

£1 for siblings 

01582 477762 

Toddler Group 

Dunstable Baptist Church, 

St Mary's Gate, Dunstable 

Tues 9.15am-11am 


Birth to school age 

70p 

Inc drinks/snack 

01582 511371 

andyruth.banton 

@ntlworld.com 

Totternhoe Baby & Toddler Group 

St Giles Church Hall, St Giles Close, 

Totternhoe 

Tues 9.30-11.30am 


£1 per adult, £1 first 

child, 50p further 

children, under 1's free 


Nadine Morgan 

07823 447362 

Toddington Baby & Toddler Group 

Toddington Village Hall, 

Leighton Road, Toddington 

Tues 9.30am-11am & 

Thurs 1.30pm-3pm 


£2 per family 


maxinewhiting@ 

yahoo.co.uk 

Parents & Tots 

Dunstable Community Centre 

69 High Street North, Dunstable 

Tues 10am-12pm 


Ages 0-5 01582 477147 

Cheeky Monkeys Baby & Toddler Group 

Village Hall, Church Lane, 

Eaton Bray 

www.cheekymonkeys.btik.com/ 

Weds 1pm-2.45pm 


Birth to 5 

£1 adult, £1 over 1, under 

1 free 


Cheekymonkeys 

eaton 

bray@hotmail. 

co.uk 

Kensworth Baby and Toddler Group 

Kensworth Village Hall, Common Road, 

Kensworth 

Weds 9.30am- 

11.30am 


First visit free, £1 for 

under 1’s, £1.50 for over 

1's, £2 for two children 

01442 842957 

Little Lambs Group 

Chilterns Gateway Centre, 

Dunstable Downs 

Thurs 10am-12pm 


Toddler activities 

Ring for more details 

01582 500920 

34

Tiny Twisters 

Kensworth Village Hall 

Thursday 2pm- 

2.40pm 


£1 per child. 

No need to book, come 

along and join the fun. 

07447 082107 

07764 489630 

St Mary’s Little Tots 

Marion Hall behind St Mary’s Church, 82 

West Street, Dunstable 

Friday 10-11.30am 


New born to 3 years 

Donation of 50p/£1 

01582 662384 

Dunstable Icknield Mums & Tots 

Dunstable Icknield Lower School, Burr 

Street, Dunstable 

Fri 9:15am-11:00am 


Birth to school age 

£1 includes refreshments 

01582 663709 

Creasey Park Toddler Group 

Friday 9.30-11am 


Ages 0-4 

£2 including refreshments 

hayley066 

@btinternet.com 

Library Activities 

Dunstable Library 

Rhyme Time 

Monday & Tuesday 

10.45 - 11.15 

For ages 5 and under 

0300 3008056 

Dunstable Library 

Activity Time 

Wednesday 

10:45am - 11.15am 

Term time only. For ages 5 and under 

0300 3008056 

Houghton Regis Library 

Rhyme Time 

Wednesday 

10.00-10.30am 


0300 3008058 

Houghton Regis Library 

Kraftee Kidz 

Friday 

9.30-10.15 


0300 3008058 

Toddington Library 

Crafty Tots 

Friday 

2.30-3.00 


0300 3008069 

Children’s Centres 

Beehive Children’s Centre, Beecroft Lower School, Westfield Road, Dunstable Tel: 01582 699092 

Parkside Neighbourhood Centre, Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis Tel: 01582 758023 

Tithe Farm Neighbourhood Centre, Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis Tel: 01582 867692 

Downside Neighbourhood Centre, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable LU5 4AS Tel: 01582 666403 

35

Post Holders 

Branch Coordinator Amy Ivins dunstable@nct.org.uk 07876351437 

Deputy Branch Coordinator & 

Branch Secretary 

Sally Thurbon 


Treasurer Karen Burley dunstable@nct.org.uk 

Deputy Treasurer Nishita Chauhan dunstable@nct.org.uk 

Membership Secretary 

PSA Link & 

Homebirth Support 

Samantha Chisman membership.dunstable@ 

nct.org.uk 

Angela Howard angelahoward@ntlworld.com 01582865751 

Parent Support Coordinator & 

Antenatal Class Supporter 

Laura Hart 


Newsletter Editor & 

Advertising Coordinator 

Amy Ivins dunstable@nct.org.uk 07876351437 

Nearly New Sale 

Coordinators 

Sally Thurbon 

Karen Burley 

sallythurbon@yahoo.co.uk 


Social Team 

Laura Hart 

Hannah Perch 



Press & Publicity Officer VACANT dunstable@nct.org.uk 

Grants Coordinator VACANT dunstable@nct.org.uk 

First Aid Course Coordinators 

Hannah Perch 


Samantha Chisman dunstable@nct.org.uk 

Antenatal Teacher & 

Bumps & Babies Leader 

Rachel Mitchell 

relaxstretchandbreathe@ 

ntlworld.com 

01582 703875 

07887 366754 

Baby Walkers Leader Kirsty Faulder dunstable@nct.org.uk 

Breast Pump Agent & 

Valley Cushion Agent 

Sally Thurbon 

sallythurbon@yahoo.co.uk 

Cloth Nappy Advisor Sarah Hadland sarahalicehadland@gmail.com 

36

Your Branch Needs You! 

Current Volunteering Vacancies 

Dunstable & District branch are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers willing to 

give a few hours of their time to help the branch run smoothly. 

There's a wide range of tasks so there's bound to be something that you'll enjoy 

that will use your skills and experience. 

Nearly New Sale Team 

We currently need more people to help out with the organisational/administrative side of 

our Gold Standard sales, as well as people to help out on the day of the sale. Nearly New 

Sale volunteers get the first pick of the bargains before the sale opens. 

Bumps & Babies Helpers 

We need a few more people to join the Bumps and Babies team. You will need to arrive 15 

minutes before the groups starts to help set up chairs and toys, greet new mums and make 

them feel welcome, then help to clear away afterwards. 

Press & Publicity Officer 

The role of the Publicity Officer is to get as much free publicity for the branch and the 

NCT as possible, in the local paper, or on local radio or TV. 

Grants Coordinator 

Researching and applying for grants to fund branch events and activities. This role is ideal 

for volunteers who love planning, researching and attention to detail. A successful 

application brings a great sense of satisfaction to the whole team. No previous knowledge is 

required as there is plenty of support available. 

Baby Walkers Helpers 

We need a couple of people to team up with our Baby Walkers Leader to help run the group. 

It’s a great way to get out and about and meet lots of other local parents. 

A full role description for any of these opportunities is available from: 


NCT members who volunteer 12+ hours per year (with their role recorded with 

Head Office), will automatically receive a discount on their membership. 

37

About the NCT 

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offers support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. 

We aim to give every parent the chance to make informed choices. We try to make sure that all 

our services, activities and membership are fully accessible to everyone. Run by parents for 

parents the NCT is the largest and best-known childbirth and parenting charity in Europe. It is 

the voice of parents on antenatal, birth and postnatal issues, and provides a range of quality 

educational and support services for parents at a local level. 

The NCT provides a range of services including antenatal classes, postnatal discussion groups, 

breastfeeding counselling and a network of over 350 local branches for parents. 

The NCT is a Registered Charity (Registration Number 801395) and a membership 

organisation with over 50,000 members across the UK. All services are available to members 

and non members alike. The NCT encourages parents to become members, as it is the 

membership fee that funds services. 

Our Vision 

Our vision is a world where parents are valued and supported to build a strong society, believing 

that a child’s early years significantly impact upon the future they help to shape. 

About This Newsletter 

The information in this newsletter is for the benefit of NCT (National Childbirth Trust) members 

and beneficiaries. It may be used only in connection 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. All articles and other material appearing in this newsletter 

are copyright © NCT, Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London, W3 6NH 

The appearance of an 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. NCT will not compensate any member 

who is refused a discount from a third party. 

Advertising Rates (exclusive of VAT) 

Full page black and white £25 

Full page colour £35 

Half Page black and white £18 

Quarter page black and white £12 

Back cover colour £50 

Full page colour inside front/back cover £40 

Flyer insert £25 (no VAT) 

Nearly New Sale Goody Bag Flyers £15 for 250 flyers (no VAT) 

To advertise in this newsletter please contact: dunstable@nct.org.uk 

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SPRING 2016

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