I caught up with Corinne the Newmarket Swimming Co-ordinator… “We are reopening 7th Sept hopefully but we are not taking requests or having a waiting list as we are going live in September on the website for you to book into lessons directly so please book in via the website mid/end September.”
What is it? Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group
Where is it? The Stables, Newmarket High Street
How much is it? Free
When is it? Wednesday mornings from 10:00am onwards – we stayed for two hours.
Where to park? On the high street (if you are lucky) or for 60p you can park in the car park behind TK Maxx for 2 hours.
Pro’s: This free support class is the perfect place to chat about the painful yet rewarding reality of breastfeeding. What’s more, the ladies are all incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Con’s: Nothing springs to mind – the group is relaxed and laid back. There isn’t a group leader setting out activities for the LO’s or demanding that specific boob-related topics are discussed. As the founder Hannah states; “Currently can only offer advice based on our own experiences and point in the direction of breastfeeding clinics or private lactation consultants, however as some of you know, I’m hoping to do some training soon.”
What did AB think to it? She fed immediately then slept for over an hour so clearly felt relaxed. The atmosphere was so chilled out that AB even felt comfortable enough to lay on the mat on her back for 15 minutes. (This never happens at home!)
What did Mummy think to it? The group and the closed Facebook page are fantastic. You will get a feel for the informative yet relaxed style of the group by adding yourself to their Facebook page. We struggle to get up, dressed and out of the house before midday but I am so glad we got into gear this morning. Despite what you might think, it’s not all about boobs! We also discussed (/moaned about) baby weight gain, other classes, prams, white noise, baby massage and sleep – or lack of!
Was any cake involved? Yes! The group now takes over a whole room right next to the cafe. The hot drinks and cake are much cheaper than other high street coffee shops, the queue to order is always very short and they will bring your goodies into the room so there is no waiting around.
Score out of 10: 10/10
I appreciate that some people can’t and respect that others might not want to but I am such a huge breastfeeding advocate! Read some of the benefits here.
Breastfeeding is by far the most challenging but rewarding task I have ever done. Latches, blocked ducts and painful let downs were just a few challenges I faced (and by the sounds of things I got off lightly) but this pain was nothing when compared to the priceless one on one moments I share with AB whilst I fill her with the very best nutritents the world can offer. (In six weeks AB has already gained over 3lbs!)
Don’t struggle-Get local support in Newmarket
The lovely Hannah became a Newmarket Mum in September 2016 and has recently set up a closed Facebook group called “Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group.” Search for the group on Facebook and join us!
The group promotes a Newmarket weekly breastfeeding coffee morning where Mums can “meet up, have a drink, talk about boobs and feed…in a safe space.” Come along on a Wednesday between 10:00 and 11:30 at The Stables on Newmarket high street.
Also worth mentioning is BellyBelly, an Australian site that I have used a lot both during pregnancy and now. They offer broad advice on many topics including breastfeeding.
Seven things I wish I knew before giving birth in Newmarket
I had a wonderful labour experience thanks to both Daisy Birthing classes and the incredible midwives at West Suffolk Hospital – but there are a few things I wish I knew before hand.
1. West Suffolk Hospital do not allow you to plug any devices into their power sockets.
Arm yourself with charging blocks so you can keep your mobile, iPad, kindle etc charged throughout your stay. The tv’s are terrible so you will definitely need to bring your own entertainment.
2. Call the nurseries now (!)
I didn’t (and still haven’t) called the nurseries in the Newmarket area. (Look here for more information on Newmarket nurseries.) With waiting lists longer than the queue for Deniro’s on a bank holiday weekend in the early noughties, call as soon as you’ve had your twelve week scan if you want to get a place reserved.
3. Newborn photoshoots
We were too late to get the adorable curled up, sleepy and snoozy photographs of AB. Book now to “avoid disappointment” as it’s amazing how quickly your LO will become more alert and too big to achieve the desired effect. We adore and highly recommend Peter Denness (he took our wedding photographs) but he doesn’t specialise in baby photography. If we had got out act into gear quicker we would have used Charlotte Potter over at Million Dollar Faces.
4. Newborn babies go through more baby grows in hospital than you might think.
The wonderful midwives and healthcare assistants were quick to encourage me to change AB’s outfit any time she had made it wet… wee or sick(!) With an unexpected extra night on the ward, I soon ran out of outfits so had to use the spares they had available.
I’ve bagged up the outfits that are now too small for AB and plan to donate them to the ward for other Mum’s in the same situation!
5. The friends you make in pre-natal classes are so valuable.
(More to follow on Daisy Birthing classes.) Having such a strong friendship group already, I never thought I would be someone who would want to make new “mummy” friends. A group of women that potentially only have pregnancy/newborns in common didn’t sound particularly appealing. I met four ladies during my six week birthing class and they have been such valuable, supportive and wonderful people to have around. Our Whatsapp group is used as much during the graveyard feeding hours as it is during daylight hours – we laugh together, cry together and share stories that can never be repeated!
6. Knowing which health care professional to call and at what time (It can be really confusing.)
I must admit that it was more confusing for me as due to my postcode I had all pre-natal care from West Suffolk and all post-natal care from Addenbrookes/the Lilac team. (E.g Newmarket hospital/West Suffolk hospital/Foley house whilst pregnant and Addenbrookes / Bottisham Children’s centre now AB is here!)
Despite being handed over to a Cambridgeshire team, when I ripped my episiotomy stitch on day three – ouch (!) I headed back over to West Suffolk and continued to receive fantastic service so firstly, do not worry about contacting the “right” team – just pick up the phone!
Here are a list of numbers for both Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
7. No matter how many classes you attend or how many books you read, you can’t fully prepare to become a mummy!
There will always be things that you didn’t find out about, fully understand or take on board. I was surprised by the following (it’s worth Googling):
Being induced – exactly what it does to you and your contractions
After pains
How to pee after labour
The truth about breast feeding – the most challenging but rewarding thing I have ever done
Glamour – or lack of. Swiping across my face with a bit of foundation made me feel so much better each day but using nappies to deal with my leaking boobs, wearing granny pants, holding frozen tena pads against my under carriage and weeing in the bath wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.
Have you tried Rhubarb in Newmarket yet?
The menu offers classic bistro dishes with a “European” twist. We took over a table for 6 on a busy Saturday evening and received fantastic service and enjoyed tasty food.
The added touches, such as the chefs tasters served in between courses make the dining experience unlike any other found on or near to Newmarket high street.
You will be surprised by the fair prices and impressed with the quality of food.
Rhubarb in Newmarket is certainly worth a try!
We often find ourselves calling around Newmarket pubs on a Sunday looking for somewhere that we can get a late afternoon booking… often to no avail.
Kicking off on the most recent Bank holiday weekend, The Red Lion Kirtling now offer fresh stone baked pizzas every Sunday evening.
From 6pm onwards you can order a 9-inch delicious stone baked pizza for as little as just £5.50. They also offer discount for orders of 4 or more. It’s the perfect Sunday treat / quick feast and comes highly recommended.
It’s British Pie Week which means we have just five more days to show our pie appreciation.
Kirtling Red Lion is running a Special Pie Week Offer! Try any homemade pie with vegetables and the choice of mash or chips PLUS a pint for just £10.00!
Squires restaurant at Bedford Lodge is offering a selection of tasty sounding pies, a choice of potato dishes and green vegetables for £20.50.
Fancy eating at home? Rumour has it that Powters has a selection of homemade, ready to bake pies.
The Three Blackbirds are serving up a treat this St Patrick’s Day. This Tuesday (17/03), they will be serving Irish Stew alongside their main menu to celebrate.
Bren Pauls are offering a a great gift voucher deal for Mother’s day over on their Facebook page!
The Mother’s Day offers at HairKandi are valid until April 2nd.
Don’t delay – make the most of an incredible Bren Paul back, neck and shoulder massage for just £20.00 during the week!
Click on their URL above or give Michelle and Sasha a call on 01638 664441.
Have you heard Rhubarb’s latest announcement?
“Our spring special is now go!
2 steaks, 2 starters or 2 desserts, 2 side orders and a bottle of wine £50!
You can swap the steak for any fish special too if you fancy! Tuesday – Thursday throughout March!
#spring special”
This Newmarket restaurant is seriously one to watch!
If you want to treat your Mum to the perfect Mother’s Day you must make a Newmarket booking pronto! Sunday March 15th is fast approaching and if your Mum is even half the incredible woman that my Mum is, I’m sure you are keen to spoil her rotten this Mother’s Day.
Newmarket offers a huge range of restaurants and cafes to choose from and I have pulled together some of my favourite menus on offer this Mother’s Day.
Whether you are choosing your Mother’s Day treat based on budget, location or reputation, the Newmarket restaurant list below should help!
Nancy’s Breakfast tier £12.00 to share!
Mother’s Day afternoon tea from 12.00 – 17.00 £17.50
Three Course Menu including Coffee 12.00 – 16.00 £32.50
A dedicated “European experience” menu is available all Sunday. 2 courses £20.00 or 3 courses £25.00
Squires restaurant at Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket
A ‘delicious’ lunch in the Bedford Loge, award-winning Squires Restaurant. 3 courses £45.00
With half of tables already reserved, La Hogue are offering 2 courses £17.95 or 3 courses £22.95
This gorgeous country pub is not offering a set Sunday menu but starters cost between £7.00 and £9.00 whilst mains cost between £16.00 and £18.00
Paddock’s House – The House Collection
Mother’s Day Lunch is served at both Poets House and Newmarket’s Paddocks House. The package includes a glass of ‘Fizz’ for all mums and the pleasure of a live Jazz band (The Gravy train) from 12 – 2pm! 3 courses £35.00 (What’s more, kids under 12 are half price!)
The lovely Pantry is offering a Mothers Day Champagne Brunch and a Mothers Day Lunch Set lunch.
Hazel and Steve are offering their popular Sunday lunch for £12.95 and their home-made starters and puddings at the usual price of £5.95.
I recently read a (sarcastic) article on Buzzfeed called “23 Ways To Make Christmas Magic When You’re A Grown-Up”
The light hearted post definitely put a smile on my face (once the GIF’s had finally loaded) but the subject was one I had often thought of during the run up to Christmas. The festive season definitely changes as the children turn into young, or not so young, adults! Beautiful babies are entering into a few of our friends families now but the youngest member of the Horncastle family is 15 and to be honest sometimes she is the most mature one!
This year there will be nine of us sitting up at my Mum and Dad’s dining table on Christmas day and I’m not sure which one of us is most excited about it. I have siblings that I often mistake as my best friends, the perfect other half, an in-law I adore, parents that are incredible and the most wonderful grandparents… but none of them are likely to squeal with delight at the thought of Santa coming down the chimney nor will they receive endless games and toys that we can spend all day building and playing with.
So why am I not worried about a possible lack of festive giddiness? 
GIN
Not only will my Mum prepare the tastiest Christmas lunch with every trimming possible but each couple will bring a Gin with its relevant condiment.
Spoiler alert: The boy and I plan to bring our favourite gin, Caorunn which is best enjoyed with red apple.
I’m quite confident that this liquid delight will make this a Christmas not to forget but perhaps also one we will struggle to remember!
Another sure-fire way to get into the Christmas spirit this year is to have a PANTO to look forward to and guess what?! I will be playing Princess Jasmine in NOMADS 2015 pantomime, Aladdin. The Saturday matinee is already sold out so be quick to buy your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nomads/events
The Horses Mouth 