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INFANT MASSAGE Put babies on their back to sleep, front to play
Redhouse mum, Katherine Rose, When her son Kieran was six
wants every parent to learn a sim- weeks old, Katherine noticed an
ple rule which could save their abnormal lump on the top of his
children from a serious condition head and two weeks later his head
costing thousands to treat. was obviously flatter on one side.
Health professionals told her it was
plagiocephaly and reassured her
Brookside Pre-School
Courses held locally that the lump would grow out as a
Groups sessions and 1 to 1 at home Saturday 21 July, from 2pm baby grows and becomes stronger.
Also available: complimentary Pat Russell’s chance to say However, Katherine was not
therapies including mums-to-be thank you to children, happy with the advice and discov-
massage and hot stone therapy parents and staff ered the condition in some chil-
dren can get worse resulting in
For more details contact Geraldine All children who used to attend
on 07821 686570 and parents are invited to be there heads so misshapen that children
[email protected] Call Pat on 771116 for details can’t wear glasses or cycle helmets. Katherine with Kieran
www.holistictherapy-athome.co.uk In some cases it can lead to perfo-
rated ear drums. and daughter Ellie
She also learned that treatment to sleep and that message has got
is available, gently remoulding the through. But parents need to be
head using a special helmet. aware that the pressure on a ba-
Although her paediatrician by’s head all night and day, and
strongly advised against it, in ac- even in a carrycot or car seat can
cordance with current government result in the misformed shape.
guidelines, Katherine and her hus- “The government could change
Close to M4 junction 16, band were willing to pay the £2,000 its advice so easily so that parents
just a short drive from West Swindon private medical fees to try to help know babies should be put in dif-
Kieran. ferent positions. It would lesson
For children 3 months to five years
After wearing the helmet for the incidence of plagiocephaly and
Open all year from 8am to 6pm only three months, his head has reduce the stress on parents. But
nearly returned to its normal for some reason they refuse to is-
Extensive outdoor play and garden
shape. sue new guidelines.”
Grant places available Katherine wants to make sure Katherine has set up an online
For information telephone: 01793 851495 that other parents know about pla- petition to the Prime Minister call-
giocephaly and brachiocephaly ing for information to be given to
www.thedaynursery.com
which is very similar, and with parents about prevention and
Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS other parents is campaigning for treatment. There are over 700 sig-
the government to amend its ad- natures so far at:
vice to parents.
“When you have a baby you’re http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/
given leaflets on preventing cot plagiobrachy
death by placing a baby on its back www.plagiocephalycare.org

Do you like coffee with your milk?
National Childbirth Trust Breastfeeding Counsellors Elena Rossi
and Sarah Wilmott are inviting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
to join them for a social get-together at the Dockle Farmhouse in
Stratton on Thursday 12 July, 10am, for a coffee morning which they
hope to be the first of many
Sarah said, “although there are a number of Breastmates support and
advice groups, many women have commented that although these are
useful in the early days of breastfeeding, they would like to meet others
more socially.
“We chose the Dockle Farmhouse because of its family friendly
environment and also there are no breastfeeding support groups in East
Swindon at present.”
For breastfeeding support and details of NCT services call Elena on
871024 or Sarah on 347618.
Wanted: cloth nappy champs
“It’s amazing what parents can do for the environment by switching
from disposable to cloth nappies,” says Kate Robinson of Wiltshire
Wildlife Trust, who is working with the Swindon Real Nappy Net-
work to keep nappies out of landfill.
She added that there was a tremendous response to the article in
May’s Link about the trust’s £30 money back voucher scheme which
encourages parents to try cloth nappies. And you don’t have to make a
switch if you’re not sure. The trust has loan kits including several styles
of nappy and wraps to try before you buy.
To help spread the message, Kate would like to hear from parents or
carers who could help her promote washable nappies. There are oppor-
tunities to meet like minded and friendly people and be part of the
exciting new buzz in Swindon in creating a more sustainable lifestyle.
Call Kate on 07876 301617 or mail: [email protected]

1 July 07 18 14/6/07, 6:44 pm