Jacqui, baby care advisor and mum

I’m a trained nanny with 4 children of my own and a granddaughter, as well as a Cow & Gate baby care advisor. Oh, and I’m almost a fully-trained Doula! I find that many mums and mums-to-be tend to feel shy about their questions, but there’s no need. We may know a lot when it comes to pregnancy and babies, but we’re also very down-to earth – and almost impossible to shock!

Jacqui, baby care advisor and mum

My top tips

• If a baby is colicky or distressed, try to calm them down by taking them to a room that is quiet, cool and dark. Rock them gently over your arm whilst you rub their back and keep talking gently to them. This should help calm them, which in turn stops them gulping in more air which makes the colic worse.
• Try playing a calming piece of music to your bump. Once they’re born it will hopefully have the same soothing effect.
• Don’t feel silly about asking questions or getting help when you need it. It’s not a silly question if it’s worrying you.

About me

One strange (and luckily temporary) problem I had during pregnancy was a complete loss of co-ordination. I’d go to make a cup of tea, get a spoon of sugar and totally miss the cup by at least three feet, then put the kettle in fridge! 

Even though babies can fill their nappies for England, will sick all over you at the drop of a hat and keep you up all night, they’re still great. When you look at them and think about the fact that you made them, there’s no other feeling quite like it.