News — mum

(First published on The Contented Calf website on Wednesday 20th May 2015.) Why are dates such a great top 10 lactogenic food for breastfeeding mums? Tryptophan Dates contain Tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of the 10 essential amino acids that the body uses to create the proteins it needs. In particular, tryptophan serves as a precursor for serotonin (our feel-good neurotransmitter). Seratonin supports the chemistry of lactation. Serotonin counter-acts Dopamine, which suppresses Prolactin (needed for milk production). So anything that keeps Dopamine levels low, in turn keeps Prolactin levels high; thus making them lactogenic and helping to combat low milk supply. High tryptophan...

(First published on The Contented Calf website on Tuesday 1st March 2011.) Something happens to you when you become a parent and you lose all sense of time. Never (ever ever) sleeping in past 7am gives you a whole new perspective on when days start and end. (For me 6am and 10pm; for one of my best friends (sans bébé) 8am and midnight.) I clearly remember not long into motherhood standing in the kitchen one time when my mother-in-law was visiting, distraught that I was still in my dressing gown and I was ‘wasting the day’! Then outside reality hit me....

Finished your Christmas shopping, and just looking for stocking fillers? Mid-way through and searching for inspiration? Not yet started? It doesn't matter where you are in terms of Christmas preparation. We have got seven top ideas & gifts for a more Eco Christmas this year, which will make a positive impact - both on the recipient, and on our planet.  ✨ One ✨ These beautiful decorative reusable Strawsome glass straws (with a life-time guarantee) makes= the perfect Christmas gift for the eco-conscious recipient.  And why not create a lovely bundle of a straw, a recycled plastic carrying case and a cleaning brush?...

(First published on The Contented Calf website on Tuesday 22nd February 2011.) *Takes a large swig of much-needed wine as I type* I think it’s safe to say that we’ve now fully entered ‘The Toddler Zone’. And along with walking and talking, the Babe has added tantrums to her new acquired skills. At 18 months old, the ‘Babe’ is not really a baby anymore. (And as this blog may continue for years to come, I’m going to switch to referring to her by the nickname she was given by Hubby and I while in utero, but that has stuck to this...

(First published on The Contented Calf website on Wednesday 22nd September 2010.) I had yet another truly glamourous moment one evening last week. I’m not going to say much about it because I think a picture (read: giphy below) says a thousand words. I’ll just set the scene though... I picked the babe up from nursery as usual where the head of the “Inbetweenies” Room (LOVE it – she is a big fan, hence the name!!) said that their tea had been a bit light, and a fair amount had been thrown on the floor, so she may want a little...