What to expect before, during and after an elective c-section in Ireland

September 14, 2018 | thetwodarlings

This is a post I feel I had better write before all the info is gone from my head, lost in the blur or sleepless nights and school runs and preparing food! I have had four sections now, one emergency and the subsequent three were elective, all in Cork University Maternity Hospital so obviously the info I give here may differ from hospital to hospital. The second which is the pivotal one really, once you have two sections for the most part you have set your future birthing options in stone you can’t go vaginal after that (in the vast majority of cases). The main reason I had an elective section second time round was based on the consultants opinion. At 36 weeks the baby was measuring around 8lbs (in fact she was closer to 9lbs at that stage!) and given the previous history of my first birthing experience it was decided to go for an elective section at 39 weeks (standard elective sections are always done one week before due date).

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3 essentials for your summer baby hospital bag to make the heat more bearable

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June 29, 2018June 29, 2018 | thetwodarlings

I find myself in Cork University Maternity Hospital unexpectedly in June, while the country experiences the longest bout of insanely good weather I find myself literally baking alive inside a newish building that was built without air conditioning….firstly I think that’s insane because honestly I cannot describe how hot and uncomfortable it is here on the plasticy beds with windows that only open a crack into a courtyard thus leaving me without even a whisper of a breeze….anyway, can you tell I’m waiting a long time to be seen so I’m getting cranky!? Continue reading →

Wise words for the new mother I was from the mother I am now

March 22, 2018May 23, 2018 | thetwodarlings

When WaterWipes approached me to get involved with their latest campaign I was, firstly, more than delighted because I use the wipes anyway on the small ladies behind and, secondly, because the campaign really struck a chord wth me. They want to take a different approach, so much of what we see online features picture perfect mothers with glossy hair and a serene expression on their faces holding an equally serene newborn in their arms as they gaze into each other’s eyes…no dirty muslin cloths hanging around in the background, no reminints Continue reading →

10 tips for protecting our kids online and ensuring internet safety in the home

January 21, 2018January 21, 2018 | thetwodarlings

I went to a talk recently given in my daughters primary school which was all about internet safety and primary school kids. There is no doubt that technology will play a huge part in our kids lives going forward but there is a huge difference between educating kids in how to use a computer versus giving them free reign with a phone or tablet and fooling ourselves into thinking they are learning. Continue reading →

Put down your phone and read a book!

January 10, 2018January 21, 2018 | thetwodarlings

We have a rule that I ‘generally’ adhere to in our house – no phones beside our beds. And you know I have to say I think it’s a great idea (it wasn’t mind it was my husbands, he’s literally allergic to social media – well they do say opposites attract!). Lucy used to wake a LOT at night, actually it’s probably remiss of me to write that in the past tense because she’s only just figured out how to sleep through so I doubt we’re out of the sleepless woods yet. Anyway, I digress, I used to find myself picking up my phone once I’d settled her, you know to check all the incredibly important social media happenings that just simply couldn’t’ wait until morning….!! But for sure the bright light of the phone really messed with my ability to go back to sleep and it used to set my mind racing with ideas or thoughts. Continue reading →

Meet the Makers – Chiara Hayes Jewellery

chiara hayes jewellery meet the makers small irish businesses

November 29, 2017 | thetwodarlings

So it’s safe to say the small Irish directory of businesses has been a huge success. The businesses are still rolling in and it’s becoming a wonderful resource for people especially now in the lead up to Christmas. To compliment the directory I’m going to do a Meet the Maker series – a short questionnaire that gives some insight to the people behind the brands and businesses listed. That’s half the point of buying from a small business, you are not only investing in a beautiful, quality product you are investing in real people who use that money to pay their bills, or pay for dance classes for their kids, it’s a win win for everyone involved. Continue reading →

Lottie Dolls – realistic, inspiring dolls for young girls

November 6, 2017 | thetwodarlings

I have long since been a fan of Lottie Dolls. I think the whole ideal behind the brand appeals to me, making dolls for small girls that actually look like small girls. I mean really when you think about it it makes perfect sense, why should a 4 year old be playing with a doll with boobs far larger than her mothers and a waist almost the same size as her mothers!!! I jest but in all seriousness I love the concept of it, it means kids can identify with it and can play games around the idea of kids rather than adults. Continue reading →

All hail the slow cooker!

September 26, 2017October 3, 2017 | thetwodarlings

If there is one item in the kitchen that makes life so much easier it is my slow cooker. It stood in my cupboard, grossly under used for years until lady number three arrived as did I to my senses. I have a lot hate relationship with cooking, I like it and I hate it in equal measures. I try so hard with my efforts often falling short of the cullinary delight I expect after all the effort I put in. The slow cooker is perfect not just for time pressed parents but for me it is great because it takes my average cooking to a whole new level, meals are so much tastier when they’ve been stewing away slowly for hours. Continue reading →

Reading Eggs online learning for young children

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September 1, 2017September 1, 2017 | thetwodarlings

There’s one thing we can’t avoid in this world and its the fact that technology is going to play a big part in our kids lives. While we do not allow any real screen time apart from a small bit of Netflix on days when I need a dig out and a virtual babysitter, I have been looking for ways to get the girls au fait with technology in a way that works for us, and that way is via learning. The big lady is only one year into her formal education and it constantly blows my mind how Continue reading →

What is the right age to send your child to school?

August 27, 2017 | thetwodarlings

This is a blog post I’ve written a million times in my head but have always been hesitant to write it as I want to write it in such a way that I keep my daughters experience private. That said it makes it sound like she had a stressful time of it after starting primary school which she did not, she absolutely loved it but there were certainly some take home things I learned after her first year that I will certainly be keeping in mind for the next two ladies Continue reading →

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Ireland