June 07...You put your left leg in, left leg out, left leg in and you shake it all about......and hopefully dislodge your clingy toddler ;0)

[LackaDAISYcal]

For norty....and pinguthepenguin if she is lurking

looks good to me Holly. My only comment would be - I wouldn't point point that you are writing to lots of companies. I would phrase the last para more tailored to each company eg...

I am writing to you to ask whetheryou would be able to donate any { insert specifics here if possible - eg ask medela about breast pumps, etc ] products to help my group to carry on operating and to make the group a bit more enjoyable, comfortable and informative for the new Mums. If you were able to provide anything for use at the group it would be very much appreciated. The new mums would be able to try out the products and I would be happy to tell them that they were generously donated by your company, and also direct them to where the products can be purchased. I would also be happy to provide you with some feedback based on their experiences with using the items, if that would be helpful to you.

Obviously feel free to ignore me, but you did ask

Fury, great news about Dh's new job

Oh thanks fairy, that is a good idea. I'm just about to get started now, so I'll put that in. I hope I get some bits and bobs, I really want the group to be a success and I think having some nice things will help! I hope people don't nick them though !

good letter holly. could you add "or provide sponsorship" somewhere? Then if you get cash you can buy what you need? Are you registering as a charity?

I have to go and put clean sheets on DS1s bed now. I HATE bunk neds.

Have you seen what Jamie Oliver has done?(I'm sure there'll be a thread on it) Tee hee. Has cheered DH up no end. We are considering putting money on Gordon Ramsey going to somewhere similar and kissing everyone he can find

holly i do wish i lived near you, we dont get selfless ppl helping out mothers round here
maybe i should start my own....
perhaps suggest to the company you can display their company banner? free advertising for them?

Holly, the only thing I thought of (thought I thought the other comments were great) was to end the first paragraph with "in the first few weeks of parenthood" rahter than "days of parenthood". Otherwise a company that makes something such as a sling might just think "well in the first few days they won't use a sling much, they'll be getting rest when they can, not walking about all the time" and be less inclined to help. But it's a fab idea! And good luck!!!!!

Fab Holly, really good letter. Don't forget to ask your contacts at the testing places too. Well done you

What did Jamie Oliver do?

here foxy

Right back at you Daisy and Jammy

{note to self, must deal with over-competitive side}

Natty, it's not all completely selfless! I am doing my NCT BFC training and the more bfing mums I can talk to the better! I need lots of them for case studies and observing etc. I am a thoroughly nice person though !!

Thanks foxy, ria and jammy. I have written to everyone I can think of. Every company that makes breast pumps, slings etc. that I can think of. I've had a couple of positive responses so far, NUK and Mam are sending me stuff, as are Lilypads, and hopefully Tippitoes are going to send me a cushion. I feel a bit cheeky, but if you don't ask you don't get!

PMSL at JO! I wouldn't want to kiss mingers either! Bleugh!

some of the comments on the blog are hilarious. Especially liked the one about ll the good looking girls being at a James Martin book signing (he has a lovely bum)

he's not exactly 'hot' himself though! IMVHO!

Yes, but he is rich and surely that's the main thing !

That's a great response Holly!

Have you tried toy companies eg ELC? and dept chains eg Debenhams, John Lewis, Woolworths?

Waitrose have good baby stuff and are quite generous.

and any independent baby shops in your area - they might be keen to ahve their name associated with somethign for new mums

Holly......your letter sounds great; very professional. If you need some educational aids, I'll knit you some of these

I have all colours of yarn, so you could have rainbow ones or I can do boring "natural" looking ones if you like.

PMSL daisy, we had purple ones at the peer supporter training, they looked diseased!

John Lewis have been good, they have given me the name of the person at my local store who I need to write to as they do charidee donations locally rather than nationally. Toys'R'Us, Kiddicare and Avent have pretty much told me to naff off, but I didn't expect much more! One lady in America who is the marketing bod for Bebe Au Lait was so lovely. She has offered me two of the nursing covers and two packs of burp cloths. I didn't realise when I emailed her that she was in America and I don't think she realises I am in the UK. I have just emailed her and thanked her and said that I wouldn't be offended if she withdrew her offer as I understand that it would cost a lot in postage. It was such a kind offer though and I am warmed by her thoughtfulness.

I have just emailed a local nursery store and am going to email another. Even if I get loads I can always put it to use as there are groups all over the city who are screaming out for new equipment.

I doing some Google searches now to find some more people to hassle ask for help!

I might, as foxy suggested, try some of the people I have tested things for in the past. It is always worth a shot!

PMSL at the knitted breasts.

Holly - If you have a good relationship with the magazines that you've tested for, you could always ask them if they have freebies lying around that they could give you.

Oooo, good idea fairy, I'm on the case !!

Fab job Holly!

Another result..a lovely lady just emailed me offering me one of these! People are so generous and it's not even the big companies, it's the little guys!

The lady from America is still sending them to me! I love people! My faith in humanity has been restored!

Just had a text from Trace2, Chloe is back in hospital. Her tube has been leaking and they were told to keep an eye on it incase it got infected or anything and take her in if needed.

Oh no, poor chloe and trace . When will they be given a break? Thanks for letting us know Phoenix and keep us posted if you can. Send her my love x