Beverley Turner talks colic

You have a very successful career as a presenter – do you miss the glamorous world of TV?
Yes, inevitably when you have a job you love, it is always hard to take time off. But this time I am trying to appreciate having time with Kiki as a baby, as when Croyde was born I missed out on so much by going back to work so soon. They are only little for such a short space of time that I really want to make the most of it this time.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Hosting ‘Homes Live’ with Matt Allwright on BBC1 was the most fun I’ve ever had as live TV is such an adrenalin hit. Radio work is utterly wonderful as it’s so spontaneous. Food show Taste (which has been shown on Sky every single day for the last three years!!) was an amazing, indulgent gastronomic journey! And travelling the world with F1 & NBA took me to some very glamorous places. I’ve been very fortunate. But writing is probably my preferred work- I like that even when I’m decrepit in my rocking chair my kids will always be able to read 'The Pits: The Real World of Formula 1’. I’m now half way through the second draft of my first novel that should be out next year. It’s hard to self-motivate, especially with a yummy new baby but I’m grinding it out.

You have two children, how has being a mum affected your life?
At first it was a shock, as you change from, essentially, being quite selfish, to having someone else to put first all the time. It really is quite a change, you lose your ability to be spontaneous and it does take some getting used to! But saying that it is absolutely brilliant too, such fun. My 5 year old, Croyde, is just hilarious, the things he says are just great, and my biggest joy is just spending time with him. It’s great to see how Croyde is so loving with his new baby sister, and I love that they are already forming a special bond. Of course, it is challenging and exhausting, but as they get older and become your little pals you realise what it’s all for.

What’s the best thing about being a mum?
The laughter. Kids see the world in such a special way and let you know about it! When Croyde comes in to our room first thing in the morning, I want to groan that it is too early but his little face looks so happy to see a new day. Of course it can be hard when they misbehave and I have to try hard not to feel guilty about working but I wouldn’t change a thing. We can actually learn a lot from our kids.

Your husband, James, is quite the adventurer, and he bravely raced to the South Pole for charity whilst you were 8 months pregnant, how did you manage to cope with looking after Croyde on your own whilst you were so heavily pregnant?
Well, James sat me down this time and explained what he was going to do. He is one of those lucky people who has made his hobby into his job and although there are times when I wish our life was more simple, I would never tell him he’s ‘not allowed’ to do an adventure! We give each other the space we need. Family life is the most demanding challenge of our time and it was tough to be pregnant with Kiki and have Croyde to look after too. Boys in particular need their dads. I got a glimpse in to what life must be like for a single mum, and I have just the utmost respect for them, because it is incredibly tough! The South Pole trip was a decision that we made together this time so we spoke about it and thought long and hard about the impact it would have on all of us. But we made the most of the situation. Croyde really missed his dad, but to make him feel more involved and aware of what was going on I did a talk at Croyde’s school and showed them a big map of where James would be going.

Was your experience of having Kiki different from your experience of having Croyde?
Yes it really was, very different. Although both births were straightforward, with Croyde, I hadn’t adjusted to my mindset to being a mum. I tried to do everything without proper help and found I was doing nothing well – neither work or parenting. Once again I didn’t know what I was having but I said that I didn’t mind….until I saw Kiki! I cried with happiness that Croyde had a sister. It feels emotionally more complex to have a daughter (you still know that most boys will go out into the world and be ok!) but the choices, pressures and expectations on girls and women remain more difficult to navigate. But it’s so exciting to see how she will grow up and I will help as much as I can.

How did you find out that Kiki had colic? What did you do to cure the colic?
She was really colicky and gripey, and would cry after feeding, taking ages to settle after being fed and needing lots of winding.  My midwife, the amazing Pam Wild (who also delivered Davina McCall’s babies at home), said to try Colief, a simple one week trial of Colief Infant Drops, told me that Kiki’s colicky symptoms were caused by lactase deficiency.  The midwife also mentioned Colief contains lactase enzyme drops and has no sugars or syrups, unlike other colic cures, so it wasn’t bad for babies.

Once I used it Kiki massively improved, her crying has reduced dramatically.  It is slightly more effort to use when you are breastfeeding, but it really worked so well that it is worth it.

I really liked that I could keep breastfeeding and still use the product.  Breastfeeding can be really hard but I had good midwife support and was aware of how much better it is for baby’s immune system so I stuck with it (it’s also so much easier when you are out and about! Kiki has been fed everywhere from disabled loos to car parks!)

How did Kiki’s colic affect you and James?
Kiki not settling after her feed was a real problem, as she couldn’t sleep until she had got all the wind up, and she just cried and cried. Having a baby with colic can be very frustrating and distressing as you feel as though there is nothing you can do.

It made me and James short tempered with each other, as we were so sleep deprived with this little baby who wouldn’t stop crying or go to sleep.  We were shouting at the kids, shouting at each other.  I think there is no bigger strain on a marriage than having a baby!

Now her colic is gone James and I can take it in turns to do the late night feed.  I can express before bed which makes it so much easier for us to share the feeding, and it’s great that James can do this as it’s important for dads to be involved.

Who gave you the best advice about dealing with colic?
I had a homebirth with a wonderful midwife who also delivered Croyde, and she gave me some great advice, recommending Colief was a lifesaver! Grannies are also some of the best resources for advice and other mums are too, as they go through the same things at the same time.

What advice would you give to other mums who have a baby with colic?
Ask your midwife for advice, but to reduce the symptoms you shouldn’t leave too long between feeds as hungry, screaming babies gulp so much air! Interrupt the feed early on to get the wind out and keep the baby upright for a little while once finished. Try winding over your shoulder whilst standing up and walking around. I really would strongly advise them to try Colief – just trial it for a week to see if your baby’s colic symptoms are caused by lactase deficiency.

Would you like Kiki to follow your footsteps in to the world of presenting and modelling?
God NO! I have a first class English degree and should really be doing something with it! I want something much more worthwhile for Kiki but I’m conscious of not trying to live out my ambitions through her. Nothing worse than a pushy parent! I just want her to be happy and loved. But I think a fulfilling, rewarding job is a big part of that. (Of course if she inherits her daddy’s good looks that would be a bonus!)