HAPPY NEW YEAR! It seems a bit strange writing that when it is now February but I haven't written since before Christmas so it does seem appropriate! I hope you all had a fantastic time over Christmas and the New Year and aren't feeling too gloomy in this chilly weather!

Work has been extraordinary in the last month or so - thank you to everyone who has been recommending Baby Massage courses to friends and family it seems as if word of mouth is working well. New courses start at the end of February at It's a Kids Thing, Wow Baby, Westover Wandsworth and Westover Chiswick (new!), so pass it on to any friends/family with small people!

Good news about Tui Waxes - the prices are coming down and so I can sell it on to you cheaper. A 100g pot (the size given out at classes) is now £6, a 300g - £15 (down from £17.50) and a 500g pot (the largest they sell) - £25. Let me know if you would like any. I have been using it on my very sensitive skin recently and find it far better than many of the shop bought and expensive face creams on the market!

Cranial Osteopathy is something that seems to be invaluable for many babies. The Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy, based in Clerkenwell, is a charity set up to offer cranial treatments to all kids on a donations basis. They now have a satellite clinic operating out of St John's Hill Therapy Centre on a Friday (booking essential). This is what they say about treatment ...

"Paediatric osteopathy, a term coined by the Foundation, uses gentle manual techniques to bring about profound changes within a child or young person's body, using non-invasive but highly effective rebalancing procedures. These allow the different body systems - the nervous, immune, muscular and circulatory systems - to work effectively.

The Foundation uses osteopathy to help children in many practical and life-improving ways, such as reducing the need for medication, assisting speedier recovery from illness and the effects of operations and providing fortification to the body during drug therapy. Babies and children have an innate drive towards normal function, and often need only the slightest easing of tension to release the mechanical stress suffered and improve function."

Many of the parents I have worked with have found Cranial Osteopathy to be incredibly effective - babies can be affected by an awkward birth, instrumental delivery, caesarean, very protracted or even very swift labour. Reflux, colic, flat-head syndrome, constipation, fretfulness - these can all be remedied by a treatment. One of my clients even told me of a one-year old who was cured of severe epileptic fits by a treatment - awesome! For more info go to the website, www.fpo.or.uk or call 020 7490 1114

Alternative venues for treatment are:

• Me and My Baby Clinic, Fulham Road (opposite Chelsea and Westminster Hospital) - 020 7751 4170
• Daybrook Road Osteopathic Clinic, Merton Park - 0208 542 8596

Mastitis - inflammation of the breast tissue - is a painful condition that sometimes affects breastfeeding women. It can occur with or without the presence of infection, and is almost always attributable to poor milk flow. Its onset can be sudden; generally you will feel "achey" and feverish as if developing 'flu' and part of your breast will appear swollen, red (sometimes shiny) and feel hot and painful to the touch.

Mastitis occurs when milk is not being removed from the ducts deep inside the breasts effectively, and milk begins to "back up" in the duct. Some of this milk may leak into surrounding tissue, triggering an immune system response characterized by the feelings of fever and illness. If untreated, infection can develop in milk stagnating behind the blockage.Blockages can be caused by an over-tight bra, persistent pressure from a handbag strap or car seat belt, or even lying in bed with an arm pressing into the breast. Supporting your breast incorrectly with your fingers digging into the breast tissue as you feed can result in a blockage over a period of time, as can your baby pressing his/her fist or fingers into your breast as they feed. He most common cause of mastitis remains incorrect positioning of your baby at the breast during feeds.

As soon as you suspect a problem, the most effective step you can take is to feed your baby from the affected breast first as often as possible. The milk will not harm your baby. Warm flannels, or a warm shower or bath, prior to feeds will encourage the milk to flow and ease pain. As your baby feeds, gently massage the affected part of the breast towards the nipple in small circular motions to assist the milk flow. It may help to express a little milk before your baby feeds to stimulate the flow and make it easier for your baby to "latch on" if your breast is engorged. Varying feeding positions ensures the milk ducts are fully drained - try the "football" or "rugby ball" hold, or try feeding lying down. ake sure your baby is correctly latched to the breast, as poor attachment results in "nipple-feeding" and worsens the problem.

Cold compresses between feeds ease pain and reduce inflammation - try a bag of frozen peas well wrapped in a tea towel. Proprietary gel-filled packs are available which can be warmed or chilled as required. Arm rotating (as if doing back stroke) helps drain excess fluid from breast tissue and improves circulation, thus relieving discomfort. Rest as much as you can; if possible take your baby to bed with you and feed frequently. The more you feed, the quicker you will begin to feel better. You can take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to bring down your temperature and ease pain, but DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN - it is unsuitable for breastfeeding mothers. Natural remedies for mastitis are available, but as they are always prescribed specifically for the mum in question, consult a qualified herbalist or homoeopath rather than self-prescribing. Homoeopathic remedies and some herbal remedies are completely safe to use when breastfeeding, but do seek professional advice.

If, despite self-help measures, you feel no better after 24 hours, consult your GP as you may have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Many antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding, so there is absolutely no need to stop breastfeeding your baby. When the mastitis clears up, ensure that your baby is always well-positioned at the breast and latched correctly - prevention is better than cure!

That's it for now folks as always do offer feedback and let me know what you would like me to include in the newsletters

Enjoy the rest of the snow!

Love
Sophie
x