Littlemummy.com

Top ten things that would make up the worst day ever (I think I’m up to about 7 today already). Part of the ProBlogger writing project.
Number 10 : Require the need for a tradesperson. Full Stop. (apologies if you are indeed a reputable tradesperson….eh….could you email me your number by any chance?).
Number 9 : Be going on holiday, and have to pack – for yourself, your husband and the children.

Number 8 : Realise that you have ‘run the cupboards down’ so much for said holiday that you …

How did you feed your baby?

Great Nan (mother of 3)
I breastfed all my children until they were five months. I also helped feed a premature baby, this was commonplace in my day.
Nan (mother of 4)
I breastfed my first two babies until they were six weeks and then I bottlefed. My other two were bottle fed from the beginning. I decided to bottle feed as it was less restrictive and meant that my husband could get more involved.
Mum (mother of 2)
I bottle fed both my children, I …

Has parenting advice changed?
Great Nan (mother of 3)
I was always to allow my baby to cry because it helps to expand their lungs. We didn’t really get parenting advice though, we just learned from our own mothers. For example, we always wrapped them up tight.
Nan (mother of 4)
There wasn’t really any advice, I just muddled through. Any advice I did get came from mum and my gran. I know there is a lot of different advice now on how to put a baby down …

How long were you in hospital?
Great Nan (mother of 3)
Well, I wasn’t in hospital but I had to stay in bed for nine days (with a natural birth) and I was allowed up on the tenth day.
Nan (mother of 4)
Seven days was standard practise in my day although by the time I had my last child I was allowed home much quicker.
Mum (mother of 2)
10 days after a caesarean was standard practise.
Me (mother of 1)
I had Erin by caesarean and left hospital after 36 hours. I can’t believe the difference …

After my post on ‘How to make paint‘, I thought i’d give you a few ideas that you may not have thought of – to do with paint!
Sponge Painting – Use a sponge and paint to make patterns and effects, this is good for display work ie for a sky or jungle scene. This technique is also great for covering large areas. Full painting pinnys recommended!
CD Painting – Take an old cd (aka mmm bop by hanson, or Mr Blobby!) and paint the shiny side, press it onto paper …

Did you have any pain relief during childbirth?
Great Nan (mother of 3)
I only had gas & air with my last baby. There weren’t really any pain relief options before that. If there were I would have definitely taken them
Nan (mother of 4)
I had gas & air with them all and an epidural with my last baby. If i’d had more pain relief options I would have taken them
Mum (mother of 2)
I had gas & air and pethidine with Erica before having an emergency …

If you’ve been caught without any paint (tut tut!) for the latest art project, then here is an easy recipe.
You will need;
Water
Flour
Food Colouring
Bowl
Spoon
1. Mix small amount of flour and water, mix until you have a smooth paste.
2. Continue to add water until you have the right consistency. For example for finger painting you will need a thicker paint than standard paintbrush painting.
*Tip* If you don’t have any paintbrushes you could do what my nan used to do (my mum did it for us once!), cut an inch …

What kind of birth/s did you have and was your partner there?
Great Nan (mother of 3)
I had all my children naturally. I delivered two at home and one in hospital. My husband was there up until the point of delivery when he was sent out by the midwife – this was standard practise back then.
Nan (mother of 4)
I had all four of my children naturally. I had my third child at home but the rest were in hospital. Partners weren’t allowed at the birth, but I …

This is a great activity for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It can be adjusted to suit all. For example it’s great to make a hand and foot canvas for a baby’s nursery. Toddlers can have fun painting their own feet and hands and printing onto brightly coloured paper, or green on black paper for scary halloween hands. Preschoolers can cut theirs out and decorate with glitter before putting them on their wall to make a hand and foot trail.

Hand and Foot Printing
You will need;
Newspaper or waterproof …

There are five generations in my family. Hilda, my great nan, Christine, my nan, Lisa, my mum, myself [Erica], and my daughter Erin.

I had the idea of comparing notes on antenatal care, childbirth, pain relief etc from a magazine I read.

Did you attend antenatal classes?

Great Nan (mother of 3)
No, there were none available. I did have to pay two pay two shillings a week for my midwife though. It added up to a weeks wage and we didn’t have much money then. That was before the NHS.

Nan …