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Netmums Panel
The Netmums panel here on Little Ones are are a group of experienced mums and members of the Netmums Parent Support Team. They provide information and support on a daily basis in the Netmums Coffeehouse. Working alongside them on Netmums are a team of health visitors, plus experts from Relate, Women's Aid, Contact a Family, Parentline Plus, the Advisory Centre for Education, and the Citizen's Advice Bureau.
The Netmums panel here on Little Ones are just a small part of the Netmums Parent Support Team who provide information and support on a daily basis in the Netmums Coffeehouse. Working alongside them on Netmums are a team of health visitors, plus experts from Relate, Women's Aid, Contact a Family, Parentline Plus, the Advisory Centre for Education, and the Citizen's Advice Bureau who provide further professional help and support.
Love is in the air
Having - or expecting - a little one can leave you with no time for yourself. We look at ways to feel good this Valentine’s Day whether you are in a relationship or not…
I’ve recently split up with my son’s father and am dreading Valentine’s Day this year. I feel really lonely and can’t imagine meeting anyone again. What can I do?
It’s always difficult when a relationship comes to an end, especially on days like Valentine’s Day when the focus is all on romance. Do you have any other single friends or friends or family with children who you could invite round to enjoy a fun meal together on this date? Or maybe treat yourself and your son to a cinema or bowling trip with friends?
Sometimes, surrounding yourself with people you love and care about can help take your mind off things on days like Valentine’s Day.
I’m seven months pregnant and feel really frumpy and un-sexy. Is it normal to feel like this? It’s really getting me down.
Pregnancy is a time a woman's life when emotions run at perhaps their highest and it can feel completely exhausting at times to even think about trying to look as good as you used to feel. There's just so much to take on board and so much to worry about that you can very easily forget to actually enjoy this very special nine months.
Remember to celebrate your pregnancy. With all that extra work your body is doing it's only right that you treat yourself every so often with a nice bubble bath. Light a candle and why not buy some massage oil (there are special ones formulated for use during pregnancy) and ask your partner to give you a massage afterwards. If you know he's comfortable with your body, you'll feel more confident too, which should help you feel sexy again.
Thankfully maternity lingerie has really evolved in recent years and it's now possible to buy pretty bras and knickers that can help you feel lovely during your pregnancy. So, if you're feeling a tad un-sexy boost your esteem with a bit of retail therapy! Don’t forget to log on to Netmums to share some confidence-boosting tips with mums and mums-to-be.
My husband has planned a romantic Valentine’s night in for us but I feel really guilty sending my 9 month old to my mum’s for the night. It’s the first time he will be away from us both and I’m scared I won’t be able to relax.
If you’re really concerned that you won't be able to relax on Valentine’s night, perhaps your mum could look after your son for one night before the big date. That way you are on hand if you are needed and you will feel more assured and more able to relax on Valentines night. Remember, you’ll be leaving your son with your own mum – he’ll be in safe hands!
For Valentine’s Day I really want to spoil my wife and take her away for the night without the kids. We’ve just had our second child and she’s totally lost interest in sex – is this normal and what can I do to help?
How thoughtful of you wanting to spoil your wife on Valentine's Day! It can be quite normal for women to lose their sex drive after childbirth. There are lots of reasons why this can happen, including being tired.
Instead of focusing on the sex part, it might be nice if you gave each other a massage with some scented oils. Take time to make sure your wife is relaxed as after childbirth some women can be a bit self-conscious about their bodies, so perhaps use a dim light or candles to set the mood. Reassure your wife, telling her how much you love her - and have a lovely time!
The views expressed here are the views of the experts giving advice. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd.
If you have any concerns about your child’s health you should consult your GP.
