Talking about talking

 By Baby Blogger Kate Richards
Fortunately, and possibly because I natter on constantly to him, Ben's speech seems pretty advanced for his age, or at least nothing to worry about. There are a few words his mispronounces - such as "wadigal" for triangle - which I find endearing.

But a couple of my friends have had concerns about their little ones' language skills. As with any other area of development, there is a wide range of what's considered normal for each age group.

However, work is currently being done to create an up-to-date tool for assessing babies' and toddlers' progress in communicating. Dr Katie Alcock of Lancaster University is collaborating with other language development specialists on the "first ever UK based language tool to decode baby talk".

Their project, funded by a 358,000 UK pound grant, sets out to create a tool that compares children aged eight months to 18 months against national averages for similarly-aged children.

This "could radically improve the diagnosis of language delays", say the psychologists, who believe there is currently no similar, easy to use tool for UK health professionals. It will also take into account various English dialects, explains Dr Alcock.

She says: "It is crucial to know what a 'typical' child can do in order to ensure that teachers, doctors, speech and language therapists, and policy makers are properly informed. Most language milestones occur in the first few years of life, so it is vital that we find out what these typical levels are for very young children.

"When complete, this new research will directly improve the UK research on child speech and language development and make a substantial contribution to the wellbeing of children and families in the UK."

Parents with a child under 18 months, who might want to take part in the study, can email uk-cdi@lancaster.ac.uk.

Holidays benefit our health!

Tara Wilkins
We all love a good holiday, whether that be lying on a warm beach for a week or hiking up a mountain. Getting away from everyday normality, forgetting about work and the stresses in our lives for a much needed break always leaves us feeling refreshed.

I become a Mum of two

By Baby Blogger Kate Richards 
Life has been pretty crazy this past 12 weeks! Having two small children certainly doesn't leave much chance for reflection. I could write pages and pages, if I only had the time (and energy). But for now, I'll just concentrate on the birth.

Women urged to seek birth rights

A new organisation launching today is set to campaign for "human rights" for women giving birth.

Campaigners say pregnant women are often left in misery because they do not know that they are entitled to demand treatments such as pain relief.

Women only bike ride!

Tara Wilkins
Your chance to be a DIVA!

 After having a few falls off of a bike when I was in my late teens, I decided that cycling probably wasn’t the sport for me!

 However, being married to a cycle enthusiast I have slowly been re-introduced into the activity, with a new bike (hooray) and I am pleased to write, only a few falls (even bigger hooray!) . The thing I like about cycling is it can be enjoyed with others or if you need a little personal head space, then what better place than in the park on your bike?

Broken resolutions?

Tara Wilkins
 It’s already the 11th of January! And how many of us have already failed on our New Year resolutions?

Did you have a specific New Year’s resolution this year? Was it the same one that you make every year?

Celebrity overload?

Tara Wilkins
You may think it an odd subject for a University to have an entire module on, but the study of ‘Celebrity’ in film and media courses is becoming very popular.

 Just last week the Inaugural Celebrity Studies Journal Conference was held in Australia where over 120 delegates met from around the World and subjects such as celebrity philanthropy, ‘queer’ celebrity, the production of celebrity and digital celebrity, feminism, political celebrity and the list goes on.

Facebook us mums - government

Women are increasingly chatting and sharing information with friends and strangers about their pregnancies on social media, surveys suggest.

Now the British  government says it backs women using sites such as Facebook to share their questions and experience - but wants them to link to its advice site.

Call to shake up early pregnancy care

The British National Health Service needs dedicated services for pregnant women who suffer serious complications in their first three months, according to guidelines published today.

The services would aim to identify and help women who may have an ectopic pregnancy - in which the baby is growing outside the womb.

The guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence also sets out new advice for GPs to help them recognise these problems.

Hospital for pregnant duchess

A senior obstetrician has explained why the Duchess of Cambridge has needed hospital treatment for morning sickness.