Not enough hours in the day
So many people I meet and talk to about my job, children and the fact that I have written The blissful baby expert book ask me how on earth I found the time to do it!!!
In all honesty, I sometimes wonder that myself! All I can say is it took pure determination, sleeping even less than I usually do (at times I used to fall asleep with the paper and pen still in my hand) and a drive to produce something that would help many more parents than I was physically able to!
There are so many baby books on the market,but as a mum myself, I knew there was lacking a completely honest book written by someone who had both professional experience of looking after small babies, as well as the personal experience of being a mother themselves.
I wanted to write a one stop book that mums could turn to for all aspects of their baby’s care and development and everything I have learnt as a Maternity nurse and a mother is contained in this book.
Qualifications and Experience?
I am qualified with the NNEB Diploma in Childcare and Education which covers all care and development of children from birth to 7yrs 11months. I also have a Paediatric 1st aid certificate that I renew every 3 years and a CRB Police check that is also updated regularly. I have been working in the Childcare sector for the last 18 years in various settings-nurseries, schools, pre-schools, as a nanny, and for the last 8 years as a full time nightly Maternity Nurse.
Do I claim to know it all? Of course not! That is why I continue to work every single day in person with new mums and babies, to develop and extend my knowledge and I will always do that for as long as I am physically able.
It’s really important to me that I keep working professionally and meeting new mums and babies to help and advise them and I know it gives the parents I work with added confidence in me, knowing that I continue to update my knowledge rather than rely on experiences I had years ago. I also plan to extend my professional qualifications when I have a little more time on my hands, although I’m a firm believer in experience being a massive qualification in itself-some of the best Maternity Nurses I know have 20+ years worth of experience working with hundreds of babies and know more than others with a string of qualifications to their name!
A Little About My Life
First and foremost I am a mum to 3 children-Jack aged 11, Ollie 8 and Loren who has just turned 3 years old.
They keep me pretty busy with school/Pre-school runs, after school and weekend activities and generally keeping them fed, washed and entertained.
My husband Martin is self employed which is really helpful to me and the children, as it means he can be around whenever we need him to be. He helps me keep everything running smoothly and everyone at various activities at the right times.
I think we make a pretty good team. We’ve been together for 18 years and happily married for 13 of those.
My parents are a huge help to us with Childcare at the weekends. They will happily take 1,2 or all 3 of our children whenever we need them to if Martins and my work commitments clash and we are very grateful for everything they do for us. We have had many happy memorable days out with them and holidays.
I work full time as a nightly Maternity nurse. My job involves going to a parents house, staying there overnight and caring for the baby so that mum in particular can have a good nights sleep. Providing a good sleep is just one part of my role. I advise mum and dad on feeding, sleep, care and development of the baby and answer any questions she has and reassure her.
Over a period of days which mum does and a number of nights that I work, together we implement a routine that works for mum and baby. I have a rough guide I work to, but every mum and baby is different, so we tweak things to tailor a routine that everyone is happy with. Our eventual aim is to have a ‘blissful baby’ who feeds, sleeps and plays and a structure to the day that helps give some direction.
So many of the parents I have worked alongside told me I should write a book to enable me to help so many others with everything I know, as I was always having to turn parents away who wanted me to come and help them. I hope that my book is able to help so many more mums and dads with their babies and answer some of the questions that other books don’t.
Since I joined twitter and Facebook I have been providing FREE email advice to parents who are having sleep or feeding issues with their baby or toddler.
On average I receive between 20-50 emails per day and in between working nights and looking after my own children I answer emails and help parents with issues they are having.
We now have the Blissful Baby Club Forum on the Website for you to ask any questions you may have. We are a friendly bunch so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and join in the conversation. If I’m not around or can’t get to your question straight away, there will always be one of my ‘blissful baby club’ mummies who has likely experienced your problem and will be able to offer an answer to your question and give some direction
Well that’s me and what I do on a day to day basis….time to go and get on with the toddler book that I have to write-I have a deadline to meet!!
Thanks so much for reading, I’m really looking forward to getting to know you all better! Please like and share this post if you think my advice might help your family and friends.
Remember if you haven’t already, find us on social too introductions section on the forum and share your story too.
