FLU JAB "LIFE-SAVER"

Staff Writer
All pregnant women are to be offered flu vaccination this winter in a bid to spread immunity against swine flu, it was announced today.

Government advisers say they remained concerned that a re-emergence of swine flu could put expectant women at risk.

MULBERRY ROUND THRILLS

Stacey Collins
Mulberry, a quintessential, iconic British brand well known for its ‘lifestyle’ look, the gorgeous bags (including the widely renowned Alexa Satchel), and its elegant but unpretentious approach to the representation of their clothing.

The exclusive Soho House in New York became the setting for a Secret Garden themed Mulberry Fashion show on September 14th as many stars flocked to get a glimpse at the stars of the Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

ANTE-NATAL BOOSTER CALL

Staff Writer
Expectant mothers who face difficult social circumstances are endangering their own and their babies’ health because they are not accessing antenatal care, campaigners warn today.

NHS guidelines published today by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), are calling on antenatal services to become flexible and supportive to women’s needs.

39 WEEKS

Kate Richards
 I'm 39 weeks today, and finally everything is ready. The birth pool arrived and has been tested. It's so relaxing I didn't want to get out! The midwife will bring gas and air, and I've got an electric TENS machine to use in the early stages (obviously not in the water). Apart from that, I'll be relying on the breathing and relaxation techniques from my "hypnobirthing" dvds, which I eventually started listening to.

NOT JUST A CELEB C-CRET

Staff Writer

Pamela Anderson, ageing rocker Keith Richards and a member of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Not to mention the late Anita Roddick, founder of the BodyShop. What could they possibly have had in common?

BEING THE BEST BOSS

Tara Wilkins
Everyone’s heard of the old saying “There’s no I in Team” and scientists have set out to prove just that. The British Science Festival will be in Birmingham, UK, from the 14th -19th of September and this year the festival features some interesting studies about the science of business - mostly revolving around the relationship between a boss and their team of staff.

In a successful team there has to be good communication, mutual respect, support and hopefully you’ll all be aiming for the same goal. Without these factors it’s hardly worth calling it a team.

COTS, POOLS AND TIME'S UP!

Kate Richards
Oh dear, time's beginning to run out. I'm nearly 37 weeks now, which is often considered full term. But there are still several things I haven't organised, not least the birth pool!

Of course, little Humphrey (as my family has christened him) might not arrive until 42 weeks, which gives me more time. Whether I'll be capable of practicalities by that point is another matter. I'll probably still be capable of writing lists though, and giving orders.

MEETING OTHER NEW MUMS AND DADS

Kate Richards
I've discovered that one nice side-effect of being pregnant is the chance to make new friends. The antenatal classes I've attended so far have been strangely bonding experiences. We've shared our worries, questions, and general sense of anxious naivety, and when a photocopied list of our email addresses was handed out last week, I don't think anyone had any objections.

SUMMER!

Tara Wilkins
Summer. We think sun, sea and sangria, we do not think sunstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion but if we’re not careful and take the proper precautions then our summer may not be as good as expected.

Usually for those who holiday in good old England have no worries about sunstroke because we never get much sun! But with the lovely weather we’ve been experiencing in recent weeks we need to get clued up on the dangers we are at risk from,.

DREAMING OF SLEEP

Kate Richards
After having a dream pregnancy until now, I'm starting to have a noticeable night-time niggle - sleep is no longer my friend. Some nights are ok, only waking once or twice for bathroom visits, but it's definitely going downhill.