Ina to give talk on baby slings in Dundalk on March 14th

Ina Doyle, a Dundalk based babywearing consultant, is organising a baby sling demonstration in Dundalk later this month.

The ancient tradition of babywearing (the use of a baby sling) is making a reappearance in Western parenting, with everyone from Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker, to Jessica Alba and Gisele Bundchen choosing to keep their babies close in a sling or carrier.

Ina says there are many benefits to parent and baby.

“Carrying baby in a sling meets his innate need for physical contact and allows him to observe and be part of life, in security and comfort,” she says. “It aids the development of a strong bond, supports normal physical and cognitive development and develops the baby’s sense of balance.

“A well-fitted sling also supports healthy hip development and can help relieve colic and constipation.”

And it allows the wearer to see to the baby’s needs quickly, helping to reduce stress levels all round.

However, while wearing a sling has many benefits, it can be dangerous if not used properly. Doyle says it is very important to choose the correct style and position for your child and ensure it is adjusted to fit.

“As with any piece of equipment, unsafe or improper use can be dangerous,” she says. “The main dangers are of baby slumping in the sling and their chin falling onto their chest, which could compromise baby’s airway and/or baby being covered by fabric and not visible to the wearer.”

A mum of three, Doyle has found slings to be an invaluable tool in her own parenting. She is organising an “Introduction to Baby Slings” talk and demonstration in the Coachman’s Tearoom on the old Dublin Road on Saturday 14^th March, at 11 am.

Parents will learn about the different types of baby slings and their suitability for different ages and situations, be informed about safety guidelines when using slings and have the opportunity to see a range of slings at this free event. Doyle has been working with parents and slings for many years and will be able to answer all your questions on the day.

For more information about Ina please see www.bumptobeyond.com/about

Afternoon tea for Mother’s Day at Bellurgan Park

Bellurgan Park will host an afternoon tea for Mother’s Day on Sunday March 15^th at 2pm.

A special offer of €30 for two people is currently available.

For further details visit www.bellurganpark.ie

Andrew owes his mother-in-law the gift of life after she donates a kidney to him

Andrew Gallagher and his mother-in-law Jacqueline Foster had their story featured in yesterday’s Sunday Independent

Local man Andrew Gallagher will have been a busy man yesterday. Not only would he have had to source Mothers’ Day presents for both his mum and wife but he also would have owed his mother-in-law a special something after she gave him the gift of life recently.

The 29-year-old had a kidney donated to him by his 51-year-old mother-in-law Jacqueline Foster recently after discovering five years ago that both his kidneys were severely scarred and he would need dialysis.

He told the Sunday Independent yesterday: “When the doctor first told me I couldn’t even speak. I was frozen to the chair. I was waiting for my parents or someone else to say something first. I was only 24 years of age. I thought this type of thing happened to people later in life.”

While receiving dialysis treatment, Andrew married Jacqueline’s daughter, Nicola, in June 2011. The happy couple welcomed their baby girl Evie into the world since then while he was still receiving treatment.

It was around this time that his mother-in-law emerged as his saviour.

Andrew recalled: “I was on dialysis for two years when my mother-in-law went off and got checked to see if she was a match without telling anyone. I remember the day I was sitting in her kitchen having a cup of tea when the phone rang and she went off to take it in another room.

“She came back in with a big smile on her face and said ‘how are you fixed for November 4?’ I couldn’t believe it. She wasn’t even related to me. Only that I married her daughter I wouldn’t even know her.”

Andrew’s life was instantly transformed as a result.

“Within a week of the operation I felt like a new person. I couldn’t even climb the stairs beforehand I was so out of breath. It’s amazing the difference it made, almost immediately. We took a photo of the two of us leaving the hospital, bandages and plasters still on and when I look at that – it gets me. That’s when it sinks in what we have been through and what she has done for me.”

Andrew is now encouraging everyone to carry an organ donor card. You can read his fully story here.

Black and White to host special afternoon tea for Mother’s Day weekend

Black and White Living coffee house on the Coes Road are hosting an afternoon tea treat for all mothers on Saturday March 29th ahead of Mother’s Day the next day.

If you’re looking for that special something to show your mother how much she means to you then what better than to take her out for some quality time together? Nothing says I love you like delicious buns, fresh scones, delicate finger sandwiches and endless cups of tea all served on tiered cake stands. To make things even better you can get all of this for the great price of €10 per person.

Organisers at Black and White have said: “There has been a great deal of thought and care put into our mother’s weekend afternoon treat and we want to help make the weekend special for all of the mothers of Dundalk ”

To book your place call 9327872 or e-mail post@bandw.ie

For more information log onto www.facebook.com/blackandwhiteliving

Ferdia Fine Foods launch new St Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter Egg ranges

One of Ferdia’s new Easter Eggs

Ardee-based luxurious handmade chocholate manufacturer Ferdia Fine Foods, have just launched three new seasonal lines including their St Patrick’s Day and Monday’s Day Sleeves.

For the first time, the company will also be creating Easter Eggs and Bunnies too.

You can view or buy these and many more of Ferdia’s products online here.

They’re sure to be NOM NOM NOM NOM!

Ferdia’s St Patrick’s Day chocolates