bed. This helps blood flow to the pelvis and relaxes the muscles.'You can buy an Active Birth Ball, plus pump, £29.95, from the Active Birth Centre. Visit www.activebirthcentre.comProblem: HeartburnThis burning feeling behind the breastbone

is medically inexplicable.A non-invasive test called the Fetal Fibronectin Test (sometimes referred to as the fFN) is a means of monitoring whether labour is imminent from weeks 22 to 35 of your pregnancy.Mum of three Sarah had her first baby at just 26 weeks

or pushchairSeasonal extrasAdjustable parasol or canopy for pushchairSun blinds for carUV sun protection shelterSleepingEssentialsMoses basketCot or cot bedMattress3-4 fitted sheets3-4 flat sheets2-3 blanketsRoom thermometerOptional extrasMoses basket stand

after the operation. You will also have a small drip running into an arm vein, and your surgical stockings will be left on.You will be given painkillers but your midwife will encourage you to get out of bed as soon as possible, to promote circulation

While being told your baby is ‘breech’ – bottom down instead of head first – is worrying, remember, babies move around a lot, so yours may turn as your due date nears. However, around 3% of babies are still breech at 37 weeks. Here, we answer some

what’s going to happen next. ‘For example, in a simple game like peek-a-boo he knows that even though you’ve gone away you’ll come back,’ says Nicola. ‘Therefore he’s made a prediction and it’s come true.’ Once your child’s raised his first laugh he

to rub my legs. Then my midwife suggested I eat a banana at bedtime, as the potassium they contain is thought to help. I was doubtful, but desperate. The first night I no longer had cramps in my calves, only my toes. The second night, they were gone

on her nightclothes and feed her in her bedroom, as this will create happy associations with her room. You can start this from day one if you wish - put her down to sleep in her room, and move her in with you when you go to bed if she's under 6 months

You gave birth to your first baby a few hours ago and have a lot on your mind.Your boobs are swelling at an alarming rate as your milk comes in and your stitches make you wince when you breathe, let alone move.You're hollow-eyed with euphoria

's always been a good sleeper, he refused to settle. With the new baby in bed with me, Cory would come in at 2am and try to climb in with us. That and night feeds left me exhausted.‘Now Cory goes to nursery for two-and-a-half hours a day, four days a week