Special Delivery Winter 2016/2017 | Page 6

The Team

Co-editors

Katy Jones § Karen Stewart

newsletter.clap[email protected]

Advertising manager

Kathryn Hudson

[email protected]

Cover photo generously provided by James Finlay

W: www.jamesfinlay.com Facebook: JamesFinlay Twitter: @FinlayPhoto

Lulu Becker

Emma van Klaveren Finlay

Jenny Hemsley

Alex Bollen

NCT Matters

Feature

writers

This month’s theme is difficult conversations. It might be your mother-in-law telling you to let your baby cry when all you want to do is hold it, or mentioning to a friend that your pelvic floor isn’t quite what it used to be. Either way, as parents you end up having your fair share.

Often, it’s best to get things off your chest. Whether it’s talking to family member, a GP, or a friend you’ve had all your life, managing to have that awkward conversation can end up being a remedy and a cure. After all, an awkward problem shared is an awkward problem halved, if not solved completely.

But not all difficult conversations stem from problems. Many take place when opposing views arise. Cry-it-out, feed-on-demand, formula or breast are only some of the areas where parents can hold strongly held opinions. Everyone has a view, and plenty of people feel that it is their place to comment on your parenting strategy. And sometimes these comments are not what you want to hear. There is ample opportunity for feelings to be hurt when difficult conversations are had.

In this issue we look at a range of issues, from constipation, sex after birth, and getting babies into routines from day one. It may be that some of these have affected you directly, or indirectly. Maybe they haven’t. But what is important to remember, is that difficult conversations are everywhere. They can be helpful, reassuring, and sometimes life-affirming. Sometimes they might hurt. Yet as long as everyone approaches them with sensitivity and tact, and a sense of humour if required, then there is no doubt that they are a very good thing.

Katy & Karen xx

Katherine & Luke (ed. Karen Stewart)

Emma Hammett

Lucy Bramwell

Welcome

Editors' Letter