Posted: March 28th, 2011 | Author: Anthony | Filed under: Fitness | Tags: exercise, fitness, health, post natal, workout | No Comments »
Hello all and welcome to my next blog which is about exercising post natal, for those who are unsure what that means it is exercising after pregnancy. Some of you may be thinking why does a blog need to be written about that? The reason is because after pregnancy exercise needs to be taken in stages due to the stretching of skin and pressure put on the body during the 9 months of pregnancy and doing too much too soon afterwards can cause discomfort to the body.
For the first 6 weeks or so after pregnancy you can do light exercise as this can prevent post-natal depression and help speed up the metabolism so you can get the body you had again before pregnancy. In this first 6 weeks try not to do too intense so no gym classes, high impact exercise and stay clear of swimming too.
When you give birth the pelvic floor muscles are what go weak so that is the best place to start post natal in trying to strengthen again. The pelvic floor runs along the bottom of the abdomen so gets stretched out during pregnancy. The best way to work this is doing what is called vacuuming (not hoovering) and is done as follows.
Vacuuming
If you pull in your tummy muscles as far as you can that is basically it but take a deep breath in first then while you breath out pull the stomach in. Hold for a few seconds at first then over time if you feel like you are improving hold for longer and do a few of these at a time. Please be careful if you had a caesarean as this can pull on the stitches so if it does then take advice before doing any exercise from your GP.
Transverse Abdominis
Ok this muscle is also in the same region as the pelvic floor and works with the same muscles. This muscles is like a belt that is all around the waist and the role of it is to work like a corset and pull your core and abdomen in to give good posture and a strong abdomen. There are 2 best ways to work this as follows.
Lay on your back and bend your knees with your arms by your side for support.
Breathe in then as you breathe out raise your hips towards the sky and squeeze your stomach muscles and bum for a second then lower back to the start.
On the swiss ball
If you own a swiss ball do the same exercise where your head is on the ball and knees bent. Lower your hips then push then up aiming to get your body into a straight line. If you are unsure on this one I have posted a video to show how to do it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrueEtF3heg.
Cardio
With cardiovascular exercise always start by just going out for a walk and if it feels comfortable move up into a power walk. After a couple of weeks if there is no bleeding or discomfort then you should be able to do a light jog. For the first 6 weeks again stay clear of intense cardio such as hill running, skipping, rowing, sprints, classes etc
Make sure you do plenty of stretching before and after your workout to get lots of blood and oxygen into the muscles and will help strengthen them up quicker.
Hope you liked the blog and feel free to contact me for more info. See you soon for my next blog
Anthony Mayatt, Personal Trainer (BSc Hons)
http://www.breathefitness.uk.com
Twitter – @breathefit
Posted: March 27th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Fashion (Post-Natal) | 1 Comment »
No fashion week is compete without the mandatory bag. I for one, like a lot of women, can easily spend a pretty penny on a nice bag. In fact, it’s a bit of an obesssion of mine…
Just because you have a baby, doesn’t mean you can’t have nice accessories anymore. Changing bags are’t exactly glamerous, they’re practical, must haves! But we’ve found three fab changing bags which will make you look good as well as being practical.
I’m going to start with my favourite of the three – Pink Linings Queensdale Tote Bag. This is my favourite because, not only does it have a pretty design inside and out, it’s functionality is also great! The bags come with padded signature changing mat and zip wet bag. Two outside pockets for all your essentials. It also has two insulated bottle pockets, two nappy pockets, one zip pocket, a mobile pocket, dummy fob and pen holder also comes with 2 clip straps for easy use on your buggy/pram.
Queensdale Tote - £75
Although the Queensdale Tote was my personal preference, Pink Linings most popular range is probably the Yummy Mummy Bags. Probably the most desired and talked about changing bag, they go for impressive amounts on EBay, second hand. Overall, a real investment during this not so glamourous period 
Inside Pink Lining Bags
Another very sought after changing bag range, is the Cath Kidston Range. They look like any normal tote and come in variations of the famous Cath Kidston floral designs. The bags come with a changing mat and insulated bottle cover as well as handy pockets for all your essentials. They’re certainly not something you’re likely to part with once your little one’s grown up as they are pretty.
Cath Kidston Spray Flowers Nappy Bag - £60
Last but not least in our little collection of changing bags, is JuJu. A lovely collection of bags, both patterned and plain. They have one for pretty much anyone and if the girlyness of the other two makes are not your style, these are probably for you. As with the other two, they come with plenty of pockets and changing accessories. They retail slightly higher than the other two, but are great quality.
Ju Ju Be BeAll Navy Berry - £89.99Inside the Ju Ju BeInside Pink Lining Bags
Inside the Ju Ju Be
Posted: March 23rd, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Due to some technical issues, we’ve extended our Fashion and Beauty week and renamed it … Beauty & Fashion Fortnight!
Last week you saw some amazing maternity wear from Tiffany Rose, some affordable and evrey cute clothes and accessories from Store 21 and some gorgeous make up tips from Bourjois!
Today we’re going to be showing you some of our favourite pamper packs for Mums, Dads and Mums to be.
We’re going to begin with the Mums to be. During this time, there are a lot of things you have to be careful about. One of them is what you put on your skin. Boo Boo Shop’s ‘Congratulations Mummy Pamper Pack‘ is our favourite! It’s great as a baby shower present or even to just treat yourself! It’s priced at £34.99 and is available from their website: http://www.boobooshop.com/ShowDetails.asp?id=325
Congratulations Mummy Set from Boo Boo Shop
The Pack contains
Splendidly Soothing Bath Soak, 250ml
With white water lily and mallow to deeply moisturise and chamomile and arnica to soothe sore muscles.
Super Stretchy Miracle Oil, 100ml
Made with a special blend of oils… argan, to nourish, moisturise and improve elasticity and passion flower oil to calm stressed skin.
Soft & Creamy Body Smoother, 190ml
A super-nourishing blend of hibiscus, centella and shea butter that work together to increase elasticity, boost moisture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.
Another of the lovely Mummy Products I came across were Maclarens Beginning Range. In particular, the ‘Nourishing Gift Set for Mother‘. What I like about this range is that everything feels so fresh and non greasy. You’ll find that the majority of Mummy pampering packs are all about the oils, but not this one – In fact, you barely know you’ve used the creams/ lotion!
Maclarens nourishing Gift Set for Mother
Contents
100ml / 3.4 fl oz. Nurturing Bath Milk
100ml / 3.4 fl oz. Alleviating Leg Lotion
60g / 2.1 oz. Supporting Belly Balm
Bath Pouf
For more general pampering for everyone, my favourite has to be the Soap & Glory range from Boots. Soap & Glory is such a loveable brand and not just beacue of it’s very cool packaging, but they are actually pretty damn good products. Here are a few of my top picks:
Breakfast Scrub – £7.50 (save 1/3 with Boots)
The Breakfast Scrub from Soap & Glory
Leaves your skin silky smooth and smells totally scrummy!
A super skin-softening blend of:
- Golden Sugar scrub particles
- Natural Organic cupuacu bio scrubs
- Gentle Oatmeal grains
- Banana, Almond and Honey extracts
- Shea Butter
- Glycerin
Wonderfill – £10 (Save a 1/3 with Boots)
Wonderfill from Soap & Glory
For those lines you want no one to see!
- An infusion of a scientifically proven level of LINE FIGHTING SUPERPEPTIDES™
- A SPECIAL OXYGEN BOOSTING SKIN STIMULATING COMPLEX
- Exclusive light-activated SUPERBLUR™ line-disguising spheres
- A wrinkle plumping moisture matrix
- Suitable for all skin types
Do you have dull looking skin? Looking for that product that actually delivers a bright complexion and leaves your skin not only clean and fresh but looking radiant? Then Club Cleo’s Probiotic Skin Sheer & Radiance with Pearl Extract is the product for you! This product has a special patented co-fementation process which they boast is ‘a new & wonderfully light way to exfoliate, unclog pores & brighten the complexion’. After giving this a try, I have to admit, I did notice a difference in my complexion. At £19.99 it’s not cheap, but the bottle does last and I was certainly impressed by my results and would certainly say it’s worth a try!
Club Cleo's Probiotic Skincare Range
Rich in natural nutrients including: amino acids, peptides, probiotics & lactic acids this unique mineral & herbal formula promotes biosynthesis of collagens, fibronectin & keratin, increasing the absorption of oxygen to encourage healthy cell renewal.
Finally, we haven’t forgotten the Men! Not a fan of trapsing around Boots with your other half looking for toiletries? If my average time spent in Boots is anything to go by, then I don’t blame the guys for not wanting to join us! This set is not only great as a present for that man in your life, but it also comes with sweeties you can steal! 
I can’t help but think the set is fab, but could probably do with a toothbrush to go with the toothpaste… especially with those sweets in there! The Essential Male Grooming Set by Men are Useless is available from Prezzybox.com and is £14.95
The Essential Male Grooming Set by Men are Useless
Contents:
- King of Shaves Azor Razor
- Spare blade
- Original Source Hair and Body Wash (250ml)
- King of Shaves Sensitive Shave Gel (50ml)
- King of Shaves Face Balm (50ml)
- Whitening toothpaste
Posted: March 18th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »
The New Paris Ballerine range
In the first of our beauty features, Bourjois share some make up tips with us and show off some of their new range which will be available in a store near you Mid-April 2011.
In a very Black Swan-esque series, choose your character and make yourself over. This is a stunning set of pastels and they’re ideal for any occasion, day or night. With the addition of the bold black, you can bring out the ‘Black Swan’ in you.
Good or Bad? Who will you be?
Bourjois’ Make up Artist – Top Tips…
For a romantic smoky look for day and night.
Subtle romantic smoky eyes for daytime wear
This beautiful range will be available in stores from Mid-April.
Posted: March 15th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Fashion (Post-Natal) | Tags: fashion, store 21 | No Comments »
So, you’ve had your baby and your wardrobe isn’t looking that attractive anymore. Well, it’s not surprising as you’ve been sporting the maternity clothes for the past few months no doubt and I’m pretty sure you’re a little bit out of season.
Not only do you need an entire new wardrobe, you need new shoes and bags to match… naturally OK… So baby has you totally broke and your closest Primark is miles away. What would you say if I told you there’s an online store, with gorgeous clothes at affordable prices? Tell me more I hear you say eagerly!
OK… so, I’m going to share one of my little secrets with you… Store 21 . Cheap, good quality clothing at unbelievably cheap prices! Theres something for everyone and not just for Mumma! They do Mens and Kids clothing as well as Homeware and toys too! So you could buy something for the entire family and not break the bank.
Here are some of my favourites from the new collection:
Patchwork Vest - £10
Skinny Jeans - £12.50
Lace Ballerina Pump - £7
Floral Bag - £8
Posted: March 14th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Maternity Wear | No Comments »
Tiffany Rose - Savona Gown
I’m going to begin our Fashion and Beauty week with a maternity fashion brand that just oozes beauty, sophistication and elegance – Tiffany Rose.
Tiffany Rose Maternity Wear launched in 2003 by Tiffany London, who has 2 children of her own. The business has gone from strength to strength and with very little advertising and pretty much all word of mouth, they’ve dressed celebrities such as Emma Bunton, Myleene Klass, Holly Willoughby and Tess Daly to name but a few!
In my opinion, they are the elite of maternity wear. Their quality and class, no matter how far and wide I looked, was almost impossible to equal. So you can totally understand why celebs are keen to get their mitts on these stunning dresses.
Being nearly 7 months pregnant, I can honestly say that until I received my Tiffany Rose Dresses, I didn’t feel elegant… I didn’t feel sophisticated… and I certainly didn’t feel sexy ! It was almost like they brought me a new lease of life and all of a sudden, I didn’t mind attending work events and parties – which I’d been avoiding up until this point.
As well as looking the part, they feel the part too. When wearing the ‘colour block‘ dress, it was almost like walking around in my nighty yet looking fab. They’re incredibly comfortable! Even the more formal dresses are comfortable too. If you’re not a dress kind of girl, they do trousers and tops as well – so there really is something for everyone.
OK, so lets not beat about the bush, they don’t come cheap… Does this matter? No, I don’t think so… I think every pregnant woman should have at least one of these dresses in their wardrobe – two if you can afford it (one casual and one formal). I genuinely felt frumpy and ugly until I put on these dresses. And with all the money you’re saving on alcohol and eating out, why not treat yourself to one! You can even pick yourself something up in their Winter SALE!
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Tiffany Rose – Savona Gown
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You can see that a lot of detail and love has gone into the design of every item. From the material to the cut and accessories – it’s nice to see such a specialist range actually thought about and executed flawlessly. Tiffany Rose Maternity Wear is designed and made in the UK and is therefore more expensive than your average store, but you can be guaranteed superb British tailoring which is high quality and great attention to detail is paid to every item of clothing made.
Not only does Tiffany Rose do beautiful formal wear, they have a stunning bridal collection as well. Looking through the dresses almost makes me want to get married again to have an excuse to wear one! Should you want something long and traditional, short and pretty or more casual and floaty, they have a dress to suit most tastes and occasions.
TAKE NOTE HUSBANDS… This is a great pick-me-up present for your pregnant wives. Yes, spa days are great and everything, but you can get more than one day’s happiness and pleasure from a Tiffany Rose dress and it doesn’t cost that much more! I can assure you, you’ll be in your wifes good books.
Posted: March 9th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Nursery | Tags: David Netto, Maclaren, Nursery | 1 Comment »
David Netto
I was kindly invited to Maclaren Baby’s nursery event at Harrods at the weekend, to view the new range from Maclaren, designed by their Chief Nursery Designer David Netto.
The man himself was there to go through the range and explain why he decided to go from being an architect to designing, what can only be described as, a beautiful and modern range of useful, luxury nursery furniture.
He explained how he lived in a modern apartment in LA, but when searching for furniture for the new nursery, very few items fitted with the modern look of his home. Another issue he faced with the nursery furniture available, was that it wasn’t very adaptable as the child grew and therefore found himself having to upgrade the pieces more regularly than he liked. These reasons combined, David set out to try and deliver an item of furniture that not only looked good in the most luxury of homes, but had functionability that would continue beyond the young years.
His furniture is incredibly stylish and the finishing is superb. As you might expect, it comes with a fairly high price tag and is exclusive to Harrods in the UK until the end of the year. They say you get what you pay for… But don’t dispair, because in this case, Maclaren’s more affordable range designed by David, should be coming to the UK soon and is also looking great!
As a mother to be, his range is so appealing as it can be transformed into normal furniture as your child grows. The changing table top goes from changing table to flat table top – an attractive one at that! The cot beds go from birth until aprox 4 years old so, once your (not so) little one outgrows it, the cot will then turn into a little sofa. If like me, you’re hoping to have more children in a few years, there’s no need to start rebuying things for baby. Chances are, you’re already thinking of what big boy/ girl furniture to buy your other child anyway.
Prices vary and David Netto’s Maclaren Nursery Range can be found on the Maclaren Baby UK website.
Posted: March 7th, 2011 | Author: Leila | Filed under: Nursing | Tags: breastfeeding, medela, Nursing | No Comments »
Sioned Hilton - Medela
Meet Sioned, Lactation consultant and Education manager; at Medela UK, our resident breastfeeding expert. She will be here once a month to provide an ‘all you need to know’ about your breastfeeding journey, top tips and FAQ’s! If you have any questions please email breastfeeding@bumpsnbubs.co.uk
Welcome to my first blog for BumpsnBubs… very exciting indeed! I hope this monthly slot will answer all your questions and provide you with all the information you need for the wonderful time ahead. In this issue we will talk about how your body prepares to breastfeed, what you should know, and breastfeeding in the first few days:
Preparing for breastfeeding:
Your body is extremely clever and will start preparing for your unborn baby’s arrival from the moment he is conceived. At around 16-18 weeks your breasts will begin to change and develop for their all important role of breastfeeding. Breast tissue, for making milk, continues to develop from this point until birth.
What to look out for: You may notice your breasts are more sensitive, enlarge and that the areola darkens, for some mums you may also leak, (this will just be colostrum) but this is nothing to worry about. If this is a problem for you simply use a breast pad tucked neatly into your bra to absorb the leakage. These changes are all completely natural so do not panic.
Top tip: Ensure you support your breasts during this vital development… A good supporting bra is a must and preferably not an underwire option. Breast tissue can be damaged easily and the ligaments are more flexible due to the effect of progesterone on soft tissue so make sure you take extra care. A good maternity bra is important from pre birth and will help throughout your entire breastfeeding journey too.
Breastfeeding tips from Medela
It all happens naturally (The science) …breastfeeding from day one:
- Delivery of placenta will trigger the breastfeeding hormones prolactin and oxytocin
- The breast will make colostrum which is small in quantity but rich in calories, antibodies, fats and has growth and hormone factors to top up your baby’s gut development – this is like drops of gold for you little one!
- Baby’s tummy is the size of a small marble so the amount of colostrum produced will be just the right amount for your baby
- Skin to skin at birth (and for as long as mum wants) helps the breast to trigger hormones, it also colonises baby with friendly mummy skin flora and bacteria rather than the hospital ones.
- Following the colostrum which is rich and yellow in colour the hormones start to develop the milk, from this stage it will it will be a thinner bluey white consistency which is cleverly tailor made for your baby. It is nutritious, full of immunological factors and will enhance your baby’s brain and nervous system – quite simply the best breakfast, lunch and dinner your baby can get.
- Your milk will come in around day 3-5 this may leave your breasts full and tender – offer the breast to baby, hand express a little milk off if baby find it hard to latch, use pain relief if they are very tender and a cool compress and gentle massage may relieve some of the pressure too.
Breastfeeding in practice:
- To breastfeed the baby needs to have his body in the optimal position where his nose is in a straight line to his belly button
- He needs to be supported by mothers hand behind his shoulders – this allows the baby’s head to tilt back slightly so he can open his mouth wide ( think about how we drink from a glass we lift our chin to the lip of the cup and tilt our head backwards) this is the same for a breastfeeding baby
- Place the baby’s nose in alignment with the nipple and rest the baby’s chin on the breast and gently supporting the baby shoulders bring baby to the breast – baby should open his mouth wide
- It is normal to breastfeed your baby frequently in the first 2 weeks after birth often more than 8- 12 times in 24hrs, – think about how often you eat or drink in 24hrs
- your baby should be offered the breast and feed effectively with a period of small rapid sucks to trigger mum’s milk ejection reflex followed by slower deeper sucks for approx 15 minutes, so that he sucks the rich fat milk at the end of the feed, if he is still displaying signs of hunger you can offer the other breast – sometimes they want a power snack and then occasionally a full course meal.
- Your baby should be having 3 or more wet nappies in the first 3 days and when the milk comes in this should then be 6 heavy wet nappies
- Your baby’s poo at birth is a thick black / green tar like called meconium and colostrum has a natural laxative property that helps to eliminate the baby’s poo as baby takes in more breast milk the poo changes into a transition poo in-between meconium with a soft brown/ yellow poo, when baby is feeding well on the breast the poo changes to a soft yellow/brown poo and babies should be soiling their nappies more than 2 times a day up to 6 weeks of age.
- After six weeks it is normal for breastfeeding babies not to poo for 3-7 days as the milk is so easily digested and tailor made that there is very little waste product.
The possible challenges:
The excitement and preparation parents-to-be go through is nothing compared to the joy of meeting your new baby for the first time and this ‘honeymoon period’ can last for weeks – but there may be a few minor hurdles along the way but these are easily jumped with some support and remember this… you are not alone!
- After 3 days of age when the milk comes in – mum will be a little tender and may be tearful
- Normal life does eventually kick in and when dad /partner goes back to work mum has to cope with all the household and family dynamics
- You may feel a little overwhelmed at about 3 weeks when baby has a natural growth spurt and feeding is often more frequent for a few days
- And again… at 3 months of age another growth spurt and again babies feed more frequently
- Sore and tender nipples can cause you some discomfort but with the use a bit of breast milk to the nipple and apply a hypoallergenic lanolin based ointment such as PureLan to the nipple to aid healing – this does not need to be wiped off before a feed.
Till next month… Happy breastfeeding and good luck! x
Posted: March 3rd, 2011 | Author: Zoe | Filed under: Nursing | Tags: breastfeeding, the baby catalogue, widgey | No Comments »
Breast feeding can be quite uncomfortable and terrifying for the first time mum. Even the most experienced of mums can find the experience a little daunting, so anything that can help alleviate the stresses and strains has got to be a good thing! Which is my cue to introduce to you the Widgey Pillow.
The great thing about the Widgey breastfeeding pillow is that it has multiple uses! Primarily, it is designed to fully support baby and provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for the mother whilst breastfeeding. As well as offering this support, it also acts as a baby nest, where you can prop your little one up so that they can learn to sit unaided, without the worry of them hurting themselves. As if that wasn’t enough… The pillow can be used as a “pre-natal back support for you, optional between knees support whilst sleeping or as a wedge to rest under your tummy when sleeping on your side”.
After being sent The Widgey nursing pillow, I certainly found many uses for it! I can’t fault how handy and Versatile this pillow has become in my new everyday life.
My son is ever growing, and getting very, very heavy so it makes it hard to have him in your arms for long period of time. The Widgey gives me, and my son great firm support, and comfort while feeding. As I said it has many, many uses. As my son is growing it’s becoming even more useful. As any ‘Stay at home Mum’ there is other things you need to do in the day other than cuddle your baby, e.g. cleaning, cooking… and I need to put my son down, he sits comfortably on the sofa, or on a mat on the floor sat in The Widgey, and the sides wrapped around him so he doesn’t fall forward, which is also helping him gain balance, muscle in his neck, and back which is helping him to learn to sit up. My son also prefers being prompt up in the rather than laying down flat so he can have a nose round, and explore his surroundings.
After giving birth, I suffered chronic back pain, due to an Epidural, and a forceps delivery and I found it extremely hard to get comfortable whilst sitting, and couldn’t sleep, and The Widgey has worked wonders on helping me sleep. So it’s not only amazing for your baby but also for yourself! I wish I had this during pregnancy!
All in all The Widgey is a great product, affordable and comes in many stylish funky designs! The Widgey’s are a steal at only £29.99 and available from The Baby Catalogue.
B’n'B gives the Widgey an impressive 9/10
