Wednesday, 30 June 2010
What to Wear?
It's difficult enough deciding what to wear normally, never mind with added complication of a huge bump! And with less than 8 weeks to go 'til baby arrives I am feeling slightly limited in what I can wear. Heels are definitely out of the question - I certainly don't want to end up with the dreaded 'cankle' or aggravate my back so I'll have to opt for some sensible flats - something I would never usually consider for such an important occasion.
The trouble with any event of this kind is you never know what anyone else is going to be wearing. It's not like when you go out with your friends and call each other up beforehand to see if it's skirts or skinny jeans. I have no one to call, no one to rely on and what's more I have to actually plan in advance not even knowing what the weather will be like by the time I step off the train. It's got fashion disaster written all over it!
For those of you 'bump rockers' and nursing mummies that are struggling for outfits check out my top picks from some of the hottest maternity brands...
Ripe Maternity has some of the most amazing occasion dresses. Whether your off to a black tie dinner or you've been picked to be a bridesmaid you're sure to find the perfect dress in their collection.
Belly Button has a great selection ranging from basics like vest tops and shorts through boho tops and evening dresses. I am completely in love with the Nicola Evening dress shown here (in purple).
Queen Mum have a fab selection of day wear and key pieces for your Summer maternity wardrobe.
Finally, Boob is another great brand - specialising in nursing pieces - they have a great selection that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Maybe the problem is that there are too many gorgeous things to choose from! Who knows what I'll end up in come Saturday night!?
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week
This week is National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (21-27 June) so what’s it all about?
Well, since 1993, the National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW) has been run annually by the Department of Health as a key event for promoting breastfeeding. The main aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance and promote support for breastfeeding.
I breastfed Mister A exclusively for the first 6 months until I went back to work and I would recommend it to everyone. Not only does it benefit baby but it’s also a lot cheaper than buying powdered milk. Breastfeeding for 6 months could save you around £300 on formula milk, which is a massive amount for those of us on Statutory Maternity Pay.
Obviously the benefits are much more important than costs so let’s have a look at what the NHS say:
“Breastfeeding also allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger.
Bottle feeding does not give your baby the same ingredients as breast milk, which is designed to be easy for your baby to absorb and is perfect to help him/her grow and develop. Also, bottle feeding doesn't provide protection against infection and diseases."
Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against:
· ear infections
· gastro-intestinal infections
· chest infections
· urine infections
· childhood diabetes
· eczema
· obesity
· Asthma.
Breastfeeding helps protect mothers against:
· ovarian cancer
· breast cancer
· Weak bones later in life.
“Women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster.”
I’ll definitely be breastfeeding this time round especially knowing that it will help me get back in to shape quicker!
P Peer Counsellors from La Leche, Breast Feeding Mothers Association, The NCT and the NHS will be present to give a talk on all the benefits, offer helpful advice and any useful hints/tips.
All Customers will be offered a free bra fit to highlight the importance of the right fit at the right time, as well as a gift bag packed with useful info from the NHS and cute gifts from Bravado, HOT milk, Amoralia and lots of others.
Join Pretty Pregnant’s Facebook page this week to be entered into their free prize draw to win a Bébé au Lait nursing cover or Lilypadz starter kit – Both essentials for nursing!
For more info see http://www.prettypregnant.co.uk/ or T: 02082994438
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Maternity Jeggings
Looking at them I have to say my first thought was that they were tiny and I wouldn’t even be able to get in them, never mind feel confident enough to wear them out of the house but not one to shy away from fashion I took a deep breath and gave them a go…
So the trial began! I decide I would wear them for work – that way I could get a full days wear and review them in a real life situation.
As I pulled them on I was still unconvinced that my bum would fit but I was surprised to find that the stretchy material more than accommodated. The cut of the jeggings at the waist allows your bump to fit comfortably over the top whilst the rise at the back still manages to cover your hips and allows you to sit happily without exposing yourself.
These are so comfortable – even more so than my trusty maternity jeans from last time around - which have unfortunately started to cut in to my tummy when I sit down. Bad times.
The great thing about these jeggings is that they can be dressed up or down and potentially worn for any occasion – whether it be to work, a day shopping or a night out with the girls.
This time round I wore my trusty gladiators with a long t-shirt and I got so many compliments. In fact my friend even asked if she could get away with wearing a pair even though she isn’t pregnant!
I’m planning a night out soon so I’ll do a special feature on ‘maternity jeggings - ways to wear’ so you can get an idea of how you can make these fab jeggings a part of your capsule maternity wardrobe.
So what’s the verdict then?
A definite pregnancy must have – the soft stretchy material is perfect for sensitive ‘pregnancy skin’ they fit in all the right places and they’ll last you right through to the end of your pregnancy and those few weeks after baby arrives. What are you waiting for? Go get yourself a pair!
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
More exciting news!!
No, the real news is that I have just received an email telling me that I have been nominated for a Gurgle Blog Award in the "Best Fashion Mummy Blog" category.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Stop Press! There is such a thing as 'Maternity Lingerie'!
After a trip to to the hospital at the end of last week, I was told to rest over the weekend - never a bad thing really, pregnant or not! Eager to keep me busy, my other half went on a mission for the Sunday papers so I could immerse myself in all the latest celeb gossip whilst he entertained Mister A for the day.
I've not really been taking an interest in any fashion pages over the last few months. There's never usually anything in the magazines for those of us with expanding baby bumps, so I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a heavily pregnant Danielle Lloyd in the Sunday Mirror Magazine looking gorgeously glam in 'maternity lingerie'?! No, these words could surely never fall in the same sentence! All the maternity and nursing bras and pants that I come across are huge and frumpy!
I got on the net straight away to investigate this amazing lingerie brand known as Hot Milk and it seems it's been right under my nose all along. Pretty Pregnant are currently stocking a variety of Hot Milk pieces at 40% off!
I'm not quite ready to pose in a national magazine wearing this attire but I've decided to risk it in the bedroom even though I know I won't look like any of the girls in these shots!
I really like the RMF Camisole with matching briefs (above right). It's sold as "a delicate nursing camisole [with] double-lined lace cups and scalloped lace trim. The microfibre makes it stretchy and comfortable, and flexible too." Sounds very practical for such a super sexy piece!
I'll definitely be investing in some Hot Milk - Chris won't know what's hit him!
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Pretty Pregnant- Exciting News!!
I cannot wait – you know I love my fashion, and being given the chance to try the latest must-have maternity items was too hard to decline! I’ll be giving my full and frank opinions on some of the great lines stocked by them. Reviews are something that are really important to me when I’m purchasing anything so it’s great to be given the opportunity to share my opinions.
My favourite items so far are the Queen Mum cotton singlet (above) great as a summer staple and perfect for layering up in the Autumn.
And the Fragile turnover top (left) which would look great working out in or wearing everyday
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